A WOMAN first banned from the roads as a juvenile in 2009 has apologised after being caught behind the wheel for a second time in her disqualification.

Leanne Chilton, 23, was originally banned from driving after appearing in the youth courts nearly ten years ago.

Conditions of her ban meant Chilton, of Duffy Terrace, Annfield Plain, in Stanley, must complete a driving test after the disqualification period ended.

However, Chilton picked up a further driving ban for 12 months after being found behind the wheel in January 2017.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday how police officers spotted the 23-year-old in the driver's seat of a Peugeot 106 preparing to turn on to the A693 in County Durham.

The Peugeot stalled at traffic lights and Chilton got out of the vehicle before handing over her car keys to officers in their marked car.

Her solicitor, Dave Malone, stated that Chilton believed her first ban and requirement to take a driving test no longer applied following her ban in 2017.

She pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, driving with no insurance and not having an MOT certificate.

She was banned from driving for three years and also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.