A mother who went on the school run while four times the drink-drive limit escaped jail after magistrates heard she was suffering from stress and depression.

Joy Haukozi-Jones, of West End, Witney, appeared at Banbury Magistrates' Court yesterday after pleading guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The court heard that Jones, 44, collected her daughter from a Witney nursery school on March 31.

Carolyn Oakley, prosecuting, said the nursery owner smelled alcohol on Jones's breath, and watched as she held her daughter's hand, walked in the road - causing other vehicles to swerve round her, then stumbled on a kerb before driving away. The nursery owner called police, who arrested Jones on suspicion of drink-driving.

Sophie Murray, defending, told the court Jones had drunk the night before to help her sleep and, on the day of the offence, had a glass of wine at lunchtime, and drank at least two more glasses of wine after driving home and before the breath test.

Mrs Murray said: "The court should take into account that Mrs Jones did not injure anyone and was suffering post-traumatic stress after the death of a close friend.

"Since the offence, Mrs Jones has taken professional advice to control her drinking, and is the sole carer for her daughter while her husband travels for his work."

Jones was ordered to complete 150 hours' community work and go on a driver rehabilitation course. She was banned from driving for three years and told to pay £100 costs.