A MOTORIST who was in charge of a vehicle while over the drink drive level has avoided a ban - because she needs to take a family member to medical appointments.

Donna Westwood, 27, of Hemp Gardens, Minehead, failed a breathalyser while in charge of an Audi car in Warren Road on April 14 this year.

She was handed 10 penalty points and fined £108 with £120 costs and a £30 victim surcharge when she appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Westwood had previously denied the charge but changed her plea to guilty.

Magistrates decided not to impose a driving ban as it would hace caused Westwood's aunt "exceptional hardship as she relies on (Westwood) to take her to medical appointments and medical emergencies and to assist her in daily tasks such as shopping".