A MOTHER has been allowed to keep her driving licence after a court agreed with her that having it taken away would adversely affect her employment and children.

Lucy Samantha Smith appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court last week where she admitted two charges of speeding and driving while using a mobile phone.

The 35-year-old mum of two had been charged and convicted of both offences at a previous court hearing, which she said she had no idea about due to post getting delayed or lost following a house move.

At the court on Wednesday, March 15, the case was reopened and Smith, of Camddwr Rise, Llandrindod, admitted both offences.

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The driving while using a mobile offence took place in Llandrindod on June 13 last year, while the speeding charge happened in Llanwrtyd Wells on June 29.

Smith, who was liable for disqualification due to having points already on her licence, put forward an exceptional hardship argument at last week’s hearing.

After deliberating, magistrates told Smith they had accepted her case and she would be able to keep her licence.

Lorna Jones, chair of the bench, told her: “We accept you would be caused exceptional hardship by the loss of your licence.

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“It would affect your employment and in supporting your children with their needs, including their medical needs.”

She warned Smith: “You cannot use this argument again. You will not be disqualified but you have to be very careful.”

Magistrates placed three points on Smith’s licence for each offence. She must also pay the original £100 fixed penalty notices for each offence as well as a £34 surcharge.