A WQMAN has been banned from driving for 18 months after she drove through a road closure sign at a serious crash.

Nadia Abdul-Karim, 29, of Stickley Court, Faringdon, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and careless driving when she appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, October 4.

The court heard how on the evening of Wednesday, September 13, police officers were dealing with a crash on the A419 when Abdul-Karim drove her Volkswagen Polo through the road closure in the direction of officers who were working to clear the scene.

She was stopped by an officer at the scene and provided a positive sample of breath at the roadside.

As well as the disqualification, Adbul-Karim was fined a total of £650 and ordered to pay a surcharge to the court of £50 and £85 Crown Prosecution Service costs.

PC James Barrett said: “Abdul-Karim showed no intention of slowing down at the road closure while officers were dealing with a serious collision – it was fortunate that nobody was hurt as a result of her actions.

“There is never an excuse for drink-driving. Getting behind the wheel having consumed alcohol not just puts yourself in danger, but other road users and pedestrians too. Alcohol can seriously affect your judgement and reactions and it is simply not worth the risk.

“I’d encourage anyone wishing to report an incident of drink driving to call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency and provide as much detail in relation to the vehicle as possible.”