MAGISTRATES decided not to impose a driving ban on a 24-year-old Newent woman who obstructed a police officer after being caught driving without insurance and while using a mobile phone because of the “exceptional hardship” it would cause.

Bogdana Guberova of May Hill View, Newent, admitted driving a Vauxhall Corsa on Castle Meads Way, Gloucester, on August 6 without third party insurance and while using a hand held mobile phone at the wheel.

She also pleaded guilty to wilfully obstructing PC Gimbert in the executuion of his duty on the same date.

Cheltenham magistrates ordered her to pay £411 in fines, costs and surcharges and endorsed her driving licence with eight penalty points.

They decided not to disqualify her under the totting up procedure because of the ‘exceptional hardship’ a ban would cause.

They stated “The defendant’s mother relies on the defendant’s income, which the defendant would lose due to loss of employment, if disqualified from driving.”