A GRAYS woman was spared a driving ban after magistrates heard losing her licence would have a huge impact on her children's lives.

Chanelle Louisha Bone, 30, of Southend Road, pleaded guilty to speeding on the A13 and the points she would have been awarded would have meant disqualification under the totting up procedure.

However, magistrates showed leniency and just fined her £40 after hearing there are mitigating circumstance.

She is the sole adult providing care for three children.

Her daughter's school is a 40 minute walk away and her disabled son goes to special nursery and regular hospital appointments and not able to use other forms of mobility.

Bone also faces a notice of eviction on 15 February and at the time of the case had no idea where she will be living so a car was deemed even more crucial to provide for children.

A SOUTH Ockendon man was cleared when he appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court charged with being in breach of a non-molestation order.

Ryan Eddie Griffiths, 28, of Broxburn Drive, South Ockendon, had denied approaching Mercedes Olley and shouting 'Ha' and laughing in her face and was found not guilty.

SHAUN Neredith, 33, of Alderton Road, Orsett, pleased not guilty to assaulting Megan Lee and sending an indecent, obscene or menacing message.

He will face trial at Basildon magistrates' Court on Friday, 2 April.

SHANEY Lee Fear, 29, of Goldace, Grays, was found guilty of assaulting Carl Tidy. He had pleaded not guilty. Fear will be sentenced by Southend magistrates on Friday, 21 February.

COMNNOR Sprackling, 24, of Abbotts Drive, Stanford-le-Hope, has pleaded not guilty to unlawfully carrying a seven and a half inch knife in Corringham.

He will face trail at Basildon Magistrates' Court on Friday, 14 February.