by Joe Walker

joewalker@thekmgroup.co.uk

A learner driver described as a "menace on the roads" has finally been banned after she was caught driving illegally for the FIFTH time in two months.

King Ngo embarked on a reckless spree which saw her stopped five times while careering around the district in her silver Mercedes Benz.

Incredibly, the 59-year-old Malaysian, of Canterbury Road, Herne Bay, already had 10 points on her provisional licence, including seven for leaving the scene of a car crash in 2008.

But justice finally caught up with her at Canterbury magistrates yesterday as she was banned from driving for a year and fined £1,000.

The court was told Ngo was first stopped in Sturry Road, Canterbury, on July 4.

She was summonsed to court, but was back behind the wheel on the morning of August 15 in St Peter's Place, Canterbury.

Again she was given a summons, but just two weeks later she was spotted in Wincheap in the now notorious Mercedes.

A further offence in Kingsmead Road, Canterbury, on September 9 was then followed by another just four days later in Chestfield Road, Whitstable.

Defending, David Nelson said Ngo had driven out of "necessity" but failed to tell the court exactly why she needed to get behind the wheel.

He said she had moved to Herne Bay in 2000 and struggled to cope with the untimely death of her antiques dealer husband.

He said: "She was left with a financial burden and has had problems with building work and her neighbours.

"She had previously been driving with a friend, but when that friend wasn't available she accepts she drove knowing full well she shouldn't have - necessity forced her to do that.

"She's extremely sorry and is trying to rectify the situation."

As well as the ban and fine, Ngo - who admitted five counts of driving without a full licence - was hit with court costs of £175.

Sentencing, Willie Mearns said: "You present a serious and significant risk of harm to the public and other road users by driving in this manner.

"You have shown a persistent and blatant disregard for road traffic laws and are a menace on the roads by driving without a proper licence."