A Helston woman who was due to be taking part in a charity bike ride found herself in court instead, answering a drink driving charge.

Sigourni Freebury, aged 25, of Meneage Parc, pleaded guilty to the charge in front of Truro magistrates.

Gail Hawksley, for the CPS, said a police officer had been called to St Just mid-evening where he found her vehicle had collided with a bridge parapet and was being recovered. She was being treated in an ambulance.

Freebury later tested at 81 micrograms, more than twice the legal limit. She had no previous convictions. Her solicitor Clare Moyle said that evening she had had a few drinks with friends and had felt OK to drive. She had taken a corner and collided with a wall, knocking herself out and waking up in her vehicle when a member of the public disturbed her. Her vehicle was a write-off.

She was supposed to be taking part in a charity bike ride for Charity Hospices Cornwall, for which, with others, she had already raised £3,000 and was hoping to catch up with the ride the following day.

Freebury was told by chairman Fiona Roberts: “I am sure you will be able to catch up with the bike ride. What you have raised is fantastic.”

Freebury was fined £110 with £70 costs and surcharge and banned from driving for 20 months.