A MUM-OF-SIX banned from driving almost 20 years ago has been convicted again - after she was caught behind the wheel having never taken the extended re-test required.

Marie Donoghue, of Russell Gardens in Bournemouth, was arrested after Dorset officers saw her driving a Ford Focus in Blandford Road, Poole on February 23.

The officers ran a Police National Computer check on the vehicle, which showed a man was insured to drive it.

Donoghue, 42, admitted driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle without insurance when she appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on Friday morning.

Nicola Reece, prosecuting, said the defendant was disqualified in 2000.

As part of the ban, she was told to take an extended driving test before her licence was returned to her.

But she didn't take another driving test until she was arrested this year.

She has now passed, but faces having to re-take once again after she was issued with six points on her licence.

New drivers have their licences revoked if they receive six points or more within two years of passing the test.

Donoghue was also caught driving while disqualified in 2010. She was given penalty points and a fine on that occasion.

Mitigating, Brendan Allen said: "She said, 'I got used to not driving'.

"She didn't have to drive.

"She has six children at home. Her husband would often say she should pass the driving test, but she had no need to."

However, the defendant's husband is out of work following an accident earlier this year, the court heard.

The family also face homelessness after their landlord decided to sell their house.

"Statutory sick pay is £100," said Mr Allen.

"That is insufficient to feed the children, let alone pay rent."

He said the defendant had £3.50 in her bank account. As a result, she accepted an offer of work and got into the car, the court heard.

"Her main concern is being disqualified again now she has her licence finally and is insured and legal to drive," Mr Allen said.

"Her concern is not being there for her children so she can take them to school."

District Judge Stephen Nicholls told Donoghue: "I appreciate your very difficult family circumstances.

"There was an accident earlier this year involving your husband."

Donoghue was ordered to complete 50 hours of community work within the next 12 months. She must pay costs and a victim surcharge.