Jail warning to woman who '˜doesn't believe in road traffic laws'

Tracey Clarke, from Abbeycroft Drive in Newtownabbey, was banned from driving for four years and handed a suspended prison sentence after appearing at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

The 46-year-old admitted driving whilst disqualified, and also a charge of driving with no insurance - the seventh time she has been charged with the latter offence.

The court heard that despite being a banned driver, Clarke drove a silver Ford Puma with a sticker bearing the name ‘Tracey’ on the vehicle.

A representative from the PPS said that on the afternoon of March 16, the car was seen by police being driven in the Ballyearl Drive area of Newtownabbey.

An officer on patrol recognised Clarke as being the driver due to “previous dealings with her”, and she was arrested.

Solictor Denis Boyd told District Judge Fiona Bagnall that as a single mum of five, Clarke “finds it difficult to stay out of a motor vehicle taking her kids to and from school”.

Passing sentence on Clarke, Mrs Bagnall said: “Looking at her record, she does not believe in road traffic legislation and believes she can do whatever she likes on the road.”

The district judge banned Clarke from driving for four years, gave her a six-month prison sentence that was suspended for two years, and said: “If she is back again, she is going to jail.”