A MAN who was worried about his mother's health drove without a licence to visit her.

Simon John Moulder, 55, of Bernard Hackett Court, Ross-on-Wye, pleaded guilty to driving with no licence or insurance when he appeared before Hereford Magistrates Court yesterday.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said that Moulder came to the attention of the police on April 29 when he was driving his Suzuki Swift on Alton Road, Ross-on-Wye.

"Police followed behind his car and saw him weaving towards the central line in the road," said Mrs Ashton. 

"When he came to the M50 roundabout he indicated right and then pulled hesitantly into the empty road. When officers stopped the vehicle Moulder explained that he was driving back from visiting his elderly mother who was poorly and had just had a stroke."

Moulder, defending himself said that the car was one he stayed in overnight.

He said: "I had not intended to drive until I got a phone call from my mother's care worker to say she had suffered another stoke.

"I couldn't get there and thought she was on her last legs. So I needed to see her and that was the reason I drove. 

"I'm sorry for what I did but there was no public transport at that time between Ross and Hereford.

"I no longer have the car and won't drive again."

For driving without insurance Moulder was given six penalty points on his provisional licence.

He was also ordered to pay a £110 fine for driving without insurance, £50 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.