Shortly after, the car, which had caused the damage, was seen being driven at speed before colliding with railings outside a local church.

It was found lodged in the railings, extensively damaged, and the 21-year-old driver was slurring her words and unsteady on her feet.

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Thurday, first offender Michelle Ritson, of Roberton Place, admitted failing to stop and give her name and address after hitting a parked car in Borthaugh Road on October 14.

She also admitted failing to provide two breath specimens at the police station.

Procurator fiscal Viki Welton said the man who heard the screeching found part of a Volkswagen car grille on the ground, along with a wheel trim and broken glass.

"Five minutes later, the accused was seen driving at speed and bashed into railings outside a local church," said Miss Welton.
Police and an ambulance were called.

"The car was extensively damaged and lodged in the railings," continued the fiscal.

"The accused's speech was slurred and she was unsteady on her feet, and she provided a positive roadside breath test," added Miss Welton.

The fiscal described Ritson as "very uncooperative throughout proceedings.

"She said her sister was a lawyer in London and would get her off," concluded Miss Welton.

Defence lawyer Rory Bannerman said his client had worked for a care home for some four years, where she was held in high regard.

"Everyone is at a loss as to why she did this," explained Mr Bannerman.

"She had not been drinking excessively, but usually doesn't drink at all," he explained.

"Her boyfriend had taken her home and dropped her off and for whatever reason she then got into the car and drove off.

"She cannot explain this abberation, as she wasn't going anywhere," continued Mr Bannerman.

"She is extremely sorry and cannot explain why she got into the car and drove," he concluded.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond told Ritson: "No explanation is able to be offered, but from the events which followed, I hope you see the dangers of alcohol and driving."

Ritson was fined £335 and banned from driving for 18 months.