A HELENSBURGH woman has been banned from driving after she was found at the wheel under the influence of prescribed drugs.

A court heard that Heather Walker was suffering from severe side effects from her medication when she was pulled over by police.

Walker, of Castle Wood Court, was stopped by police in her mobility car in Cardross on May 11. 

Fiscal depute Tiffany Chisholm told Dumbarton Sheriff Court that police had reason to speak to Walker at around 10.45am.

They noticed that she was slurring her words, and took her to Clydebank police station.

The 44-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of driving the car on the A814 on Main Road whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

Walker's solicitor, Judith Reid, told Sheriff Maxwell Hendry that her client admitted driving the car. 

The type of medication was not disclosed during the hearing.

Ms Reid said: "The drugs are prescribed, but did come with a warning that she should not be driving as they have certain effects - and they had that effect on that day."

Ms Reid said a visit to hospital the previous day had added to her client's prescribed medication.

"It is absolutely the case [that she will be disqualified] and she accepts that," Ms Reid continued.

"Since she was disqualified [in the interim] she has barely left the house, and she is more isolated than she previously was.

"It is a sad situation but I don't think my lord has any option."

Sheriff Hendry disqualified Walker for 12 months - the minimum allowed under the law - and fined her £180.