A WOMAN has been spared a driving ban after failing to provide information to the police when requested.
Lauren Files, of Graham Grescent in Cadishead, Irlam, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Friday.
The 44-year-old admitted two offences of failing to provide information as to the identity of a driver to police.
Prosecutor Brian Robinson told the court that one of those offences related to an alleged trigger offence of speeding, which was clocked on the A483 in Wrexham.
He explained that following that incident, the registered keeper was written to — and they nominated Files as the driver.
Files was then written to three times by the police, but failed to respond.
The defendant, who represented herself at the hearing, told the court: "It is my fault, it's just been waylaid."
Given each offence of failing to furnish driver details would be met with six penalty points, Files was at risk of being banned under totting-up procedures (which happens when a motorist accrues 12 or more penalty points).
As such, she made an exceptional hardship application in the hope of persuading the court not to ban her.
She explained she needed her licence to support her autistic son in getting to college.
Asked whether there were suitable alternatives, such as another driver, public transport or taxis, Files said there were not.
She added: "I am not a dangerous driver."
Files added that a ban would "probably affect everyone in the household" — including her other children and grandchildren.
The Magistrates agreed to grant exceptional hardship, meaning 12 points were imposed for the offences but Files was not banned.
She must pay a £120 fine on each of the two offences, as well as a £48 victim surcharge and £130 costs.
The defendant said: "Thank you so much, I do appreciate it.
"I won't miss any paperwork ever again."
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