A Milford woman who got behind the wheel of her car a month into a driving disqualification has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Thirty-five-year-old Emma Maria Pearce, of Dartmouth Gardens, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving her Vauxhall Astra whilst disqualified on the Great North Road, and also using a vehicle without third party insurance.
Prosecutor Ellie Morgan told magistrates that Miss Pearce had been disqualified from driving in March for failing to provide a specimen of breath to police when stopped.
On the afternoon of April 22 she was stopped by a police officer on duty, who after carrying out a check, became aware that the driver was banned.
“Miss Pearce was on her way to collect her children from school when she was stopped and arrested,” explained Ms Morgan.
Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb told magistrates that his client wasn’t originally from the area but moved down in October of last year after a restraining order was placed on her ex-partner.
He explained that since Miss Pearce had been disqualified from driving, she had relied on taxis and buses to take her two boys to school in Pembroke Dock, and also pick them up, at around a cost of £110 a week.
“By the end of April she had no money and took a gamble that obviously didn’t pay off,” said Mr. Webb.
“One can understand why she did it, as we all know how bad public transport is in Pembrokeshire,” he added.
Magistrates gave the defendant a six weeks prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Miss Pearce was also disqualified from driving for a further 12 months, and ordered to pay costs of £85 and an £80 victim surcharge.