A WOMAN has lost her licence after police caught her over the drug-drive limit.

Emma Read, of Blackbrook Drive in Ruabon, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 48-year-old admitted that on December 1 at Plas Bennion Road in Penycae, she drove a BMW motor vehicle when the proportion of two drugs in her blood exceeded the specified limit.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told the court that at around 3pm, the defendant was spotted driving on Llangollen Road.

Police, who "knew the defendant was a known drug user," pulled her over shortly thereafter, despite there being no evidence of any driving impairment.

A positive roadside drugs test led to her arrest, following which she gave an evidential sample in custody.

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The readings showed more than 400 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine (a cocaine breakdown product referred to as BZE) in a litre of blood, the limit being 50.

It also showed 31 microgrammes of cocaine per litre of blood, the limit for that substance being 10.

Euros Jones, defending, said: "She was in a relationship with a known drug dealer.

"The vehicle has a marker on it so when police see it out, they stop it.

"At the time, she was going through a rough time and had been self-medicating with drugs.

"Thankfully, she's now in a much better position."

The court heard Read had two like offences on her record which predated the December incident but had already been sentenced prior to Monday's hearing.

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As such, Mr Jones said he could not argue against the Magistrates imposing a minimum driving ban of three years, which he said would be "a punishment in itself."

Debbie McKinnel, chair of the magistrates, told Read: "We are going to ban you for three years today, because a car can be a weapon and it can kill people.

"If we're not exactly switched on, it can be dangerous machine."

The court handed down a fine of £120 and ordered Read to pay a £40 victim surcharge, as well as £85 costs.