A HAGLEY woman who was drunk at the wheel of a Range Rover which was driven for more than 40 miles through Snowdonia in north Wales before being stopped by police has avoided jail.

Penelope Mac Master-Kilshaw, of Birmingham Road, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and drink driving during an hour-long journey last June from near Corwen to Maentwrog on three different roads.

A three-minute clip filmed on a mobile phone by Natalie Jones, a startled passenger in a following car, was shown at Caernarfon Crown Court in which the white Range Rover drove across double and single white lines.

"Heaven knows what could have happened," remarked Judge Peter Heywood. "Thankfully more by luck than judgement you were not involved in a collision."

Master-Kilshaw, aged 43, was today given a nine-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months. A six-month alcohol treatment programme was also ordered and 20 days of rehabilitation. She was also given a 30-month driving ban and a compulsory re-test. Costs of £1,200 were also imposed.

Defence QC Stephen Vullo did not address the judge after being told that although the case passed the threshold immediate custody would not be imposed. Judge Heywood said the defendant was taking steps to deal with alcohol problems and he said: "Character references speak of your fine qualities."

Sion ap Mihangel, prosecuting, described how an impatient Master-Kilshaw had twice clipped a safety worker at roadworks near Corwen controlled by temporary traffic lights and hit cones where a convoy system was in operation.

Her breath alcohol reading was 127 - three and a half times more than the limit.

The safety worker, Ieuan Jones, who was unhurt, noticed her eyes were glazed and speech slurred.

After passing Bala she nearly hit an oncoming vehicle and Emily Parkinson, travelling behind, rang 999.

Mr ap Mihangel said there was a small dog on the passenger seat, empty bottles of alcohol in the footwell and unopened bottles on the rear seat.

Judge Heywood told Master-Kilshaw: "You are a lady of previous good character. I know you have done your best to address your issues with alcohol and I have understood and read the reasons you started drinking in the manner you did."