Steve Craddock

Sophie Congleton, a Northwich woman with nine existing penalty points, was caught driving at 28mph in a 20mph zone on the A548 in Flintshire. She admitted the offence and argued that losing her licence would cause exceptional hardship because of her work, family responsibilities and reliance on driving. Mold Magistrates Court imposed three penalty points but spared her an immediate driving ban, ordering her to pay a £326 fine, £130 in costs and a £130 victim surcharge.

Martin Reynolds, 56, was sentenced at Wrexham Magistrates Court after admitting 14 shop thefts, burglary, criminal damage, assault, threats to damage property and bail violations committed in Chester, Broughton and elsewhere in Wales. The court heard that he stole high-value goods, damaged a convenience-store roller shutter and threatened to burn the store down. Although the judge imposed an overall 52-week sentence, it was suspended for two years with no requirements, taking account of Reynolds's serious illness and substance-misuse history. He must pay £3,419.67 in compensation and is banned from entering several named shops and venues for six years.

Emma Amaimi, 52, of Saltney, admitted drink-driving after her white Hyundai left the road and crashed on Mancot Lane in Pentre on May 17. Her evidential blood-alcohol reading was 194 milligrammes per 100 millilitres, more than twice the legal limit of 80. Firefighters helped her out of the damaged vehicle, and police found a 50cl bottle of gin inside. The defence cited her declining mental health and marital difficulties, while the court imposed a £120 fine, an 18-month driving ban, £85 in costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Shane Byrne of Chester pleaded guilty at Wrexham Magistrates Court to driving at 28mph in a 20mph zone on the B5129 at Pentre, Flintshire. He initially denied the offence but admitted he had failed to notice the speed-limit signs. Magistrates imposed three penalty points, a £40 fine, £130 in costs and a £16 victim surcharge.