A YOUNG Welshpool woman has been banned from driving for 18 months after she took her partner’s car and crashed it into a wall.

Josie Gough, 21, had been on the way to her mum’s house following an argument with her girlfriend over not having a job.

Gough had stormed out of the house and taken Emma Mann’s Vauxhall Grandland, but crashed it on the way to her mum’s on the night of February 16.

Gough, of Oldford View, Welshpool, had previously admitted aggravated vehicle taking and appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 17, for sentence. She also admitted driving with no licence and without insurance.

James Ashton, prosecuting, said: “Emma Mann had gone to bed, she woke up in the night and the defendant was not there.

“She then saw voicemails from the police. She said she knew the defendant did not have a licence or insurance, having been disqualified in July 2022 for drug driving.”

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At her previous appearance, the court was told police received two calls from members of the public at around 10.50pm regarding the incident, involving an abandoned vehicle.

Crumbled parts of a wall were underneath the car, but Gough was not present. Gough did not have a licence as it had expired.

Probation officer Julian Davies interviewed Gough and said that at the time she was unemployed.

“Ms Gough has difficulties dealing with her emotions," Mr Davies said. "She drove the car to her mother’s house. She said it was really stupid and she is really sorry.”

He added: “She previously had alcohol issues but has addressed this with Kaleidoscope.

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“She suffers with anxiety and depression, but I have seen a big change in her since I wrote a report on her previously in 2022.”

Gurleen Kaur, acting for Gough, said: “She was compliant with police and has shown remorse.

“It was an unfortunate incident for which she is very, very sorry. She felt she had no choice (but to drive), she wanted the comfort of her mother.”

In addition to the driving ban, Gough will also have to complete an 18-month community order, which will include 120 hours of unpaid work and attending 20 rehabilitation activity days.

There will be no separate penalty for the other two driving offences. She must pay £50 compensation to the owner of the wall, in addition to a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.