A YOUNG woman who fractured her spine after falling victim to a drink-driver has been sentenced for driving over the limit herself.

Candice Wood, 22, admitted drink-driving, driving without insurance and possession of cannabis when she appeared before Southend Magistrates’ Court.

She was arrested in Elm Road, Shoebury, at 6.40pm on March 20, after reports of a car being driven erratically.

Members of the public later reported a large police presence in the area and officers eventually found Wood and the stationary car.

Prosecutor Lesley Chipps told the court: “The vehicle had a flat tyre, which is why she stopped.

She told officers she had been drinking and the car was not insured.

“There was a small amount of cannabis found in the car and she had 74mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. She told officers she shares the car with her mother and had gone to see a friend who had a young baby.

“She had drunk some wine and said the cannabis was for her personal use.”

Her solicitor, Roger Neild, said she fully accepted choosing to drive was an error of judgement and the cannabis was for medicinal use after fracturing her spine in an accident.

He said: “She is a very petite young lady and the small amount of alcohol she had took her over the drive drive limit.

“In April last year she was herself the victim of a drink driving offence, hospitalising her for four days, and she continues to have physiotherapy for spinal injuries.

“Her cannabis use is as a result of use the road traffic accident as she started to use the substance because it helps with pain relief.

“She is a very proud young lady and is keen to get back into the world of work, but has been advised by her GP not to.”

Wood, of Stortford Road, Dunmow, was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and £85 costs.

An outstanding £575 fine for speeding was reduced by the bench to £55 on account of her financial situation.