A DRINK-DRIVER caused a crash on a busy Herefordshire road, a court has heard.

Betty Smith, aged 50, of Green Lane, Lower Eggleton, near Ledbury, was driving a Ford Fiesta that was involved in a crash with a Mercedes Sprinter van on the A417 between Newtown and Ashperton. 

Prosecuting solicitor, Lauren Millichip told Hereford Magistrates that the Fiesta crashed into the van at 3.50pm on December 19, 2023, causing damage to both vehicles.

A roadside breath test was positive and Smith was arrested and taken to the police station. A further test there showed she had 56 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

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"In interview, she said she had three of four cans of cider and was driving from Ledbury," said Ms Millichip.

In defence, Matt Lewis said his client had experienced a difficult time after the loss of a relative.

"She is was deeply sorry about her actions," she said,

"It was completely out of character," he said.

Magistrates disqualified Smith from driving for 16 months and fined her £120. 

She also has to pay court costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £48.