A YOUNG mother who deliberately drove her car into another containing two children outside Risca police station has been disqualified from driving for a year.

Sophie Gillard, 23, of Commercial Road, Abercarn, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday morning (June 29).

The court heard that on Gillard was driving a silver Honda Civic when she was flashed by the driver of a black Vauxhall Corsa on August 7, 2016 near Crosskeys.

Prosecuting, Matthew Roberts said the driver was known to Gillard and the pair raced off to Risca to inform the police about the incident.

“Arriving at the police station, it was clear there was a history between the two of them,” said Mr Roberts.

He added that Gillard said “I’m going to go over to him and smash his f****** face in I’m that mad” before reversing her Honda Civic into the Vauxhall Corsa, forcing it to move backwards.

“The act was totally unprovoked,” added Mr Roberts,

Mr Roberts added that the defendant said he and his children were now “anxious” about using the car following the incident in Risca.

The prosecutor added that Gillard has no previous convictions or cautions and this was her first offence.

Defending, Jeff Jones said that Gillard gave birth to a daughter four weeks ago and was planning to go to university having previously studied a law course.

He added that in August of last year, the two cars were attempting to get to the police station first to complain about the other.

“Both had something to complain about to police outside Risca Police Station – it was a cat and mouse chase to get there first,” said Mr Jones.

The barrister added that the lack of a car would affect her greatly for the period of disqualification.

“The lack of an ability to drive will be keenly felt being a young mother with prams and pushchairs,” he said.

“It will be great reminder for the next months.”

Concluding, recorder Eleri Rees said that Gillard had wasted public money before changing her plea and ending the possibility of a trial.

“The way you have approached has not been sensible,” she said, however, you have seen sense.”

The recorder added that the extended test served an additional purpose once her disqualification period came to an end.

“Competence to drive is not simply the control of a vehicle but realising it is a lethal weapon,” said Ms Rees.

Ms Rees added that since Gillard had become a mother, she should consider her actions if her car had been rammed with her daughter inside.

Gillard received a conditional discharge with her licence endorsed and has been disqualified from driving for 12 months, at which point she will be able to take an extended driving test.

Ms Rees ordered Gillard to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £20.