Part-time news anchor Katy Brash has been taken off the road after pleading guilty to driving while her blood alcohol level was three times over the legal limit.

In Magistrate's Court yesterday Crown counsel Wayne Caines told how Brash was stopped by Police at 2 a.m. on November 25 after Police received a report of a dark Toyota being driven erratically and swerving between traffic lanes.

When Police stopped Brash, 31, of Pembroke, she initially hesitated to get out of the car, Mr. Caines said.

When she finally did get out , officers noticed she was unsteady on her feet and used the vehicle to regain her balance.

Officers said Brash's speech was slurred and her eyes appeared glazed.

When Police asked if she had been drinking, Brash replied that she had "two or three drinks".

She was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and taken to Hamilton Police Station where she took a breath test.

Brash's breath sample indicated 236 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80 mg/100 ml.

Acting on behalf of Brash, defence counsel Richard Horseman said the VSB news presenter had been experiencing some personal problems at the time of the offence.

"She admits she was wrong and apologises to your worship and the court," said Mr. Horseman. "She's a woman of previous good character."

Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves fined Brash $1,000 and disqualified her from driving all vehicles for 12 months.

Mr. Horseman asked that she be allowed two weeks grace to pay the fine and Mr. Greaves agreed, stipulating the fine must be paid by December 28.