A NEWENT woman has been disqualified from the roads for 12 months after admitting driving whilst over the alcohol limit.

Michelle Carroll, 41, of Southend Lane pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court to driving a Mercedes on Cheltenham Road East, Churchdown, three times over the legal limit for alcohol, with 242 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood.

Carroll was fined £200, ordered to pay £85 in costs and an £80 surcharge.

She was disqualified from driving for a year, the statutory minimum, but the court said if she completes an approved driving course by June 4, 2027, her disqualification will be reduced by three months.

The court took into account her early guilty plea and exceptional personal circumstances. Magistrates accepted that she did not have ongoing alcohol issues and had been drinking at that time because of the stress of her situation.