A Newry woman who was caught driving with no ‘L’ plates or insurance with two defective tyres has been handed six penalty points.
The 54-year-old’s legal representative asked that the defendant was not disqualified as she wished to obtain a full licence.
Bronagh Andrews, of Loanda Crescent, pleaded guilty to using a vehicle without insurance, not displaying ‘L’ plates and having two defective tyres at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
It was heard that on May 5, police on Tannyoky Road, Poyntzpass, spotted a Renault Clio which was flagged as being uninsured.
Upon stopping the car, officers noted that the two front tyres on the vehicle were below the legal tread.
Police spoke to the driver, who identified herself as the defendant. She produced a provisional licence but there were no ‘L’ plates displayed on the car.
Defence counsel stated: “This is a woman of poor health. She looks after her elderly mother and the car belongs to her mother.
“She believed she was insured but this was an oversight on her mother’s part, although that is not an excuse.”
He added: “A policy of insurance was later put in place, the tyres were replaced and the car passed the MOT a month later.
“I would ask that no disqualification be put in pace as the defendant would like to obtain a full licence.”
Andrews was handed six penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £350, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.