TWO people have appeared before magistrates after taking an Asda van without consent.

Emma Jones, 28, pleaded guilty to four charges when she appeared before magistrates in Hereford, while James Higginbottom, 33, admitted three charges.

The court heard Jones and Higginbottom had taken a Mercedes Sprinter van without the consent of its owner on February 28.

Higginbottom admitted causing damage to the van, which belongs to Asda, and assaulting a police officer by beating on the same date.

Jones was caught behind the wheel in River View, Hereford, while not wearing a seatbelt, not in a position to have proper control of the vehicle, and while over the drink-drive limit.

An evidential breath test revealed Jones had 58 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Jones, of Kingsway, Hereford, was handed a 13-week curfew with electronic tag, ordered to pay compensation of £250.00, and disqualified from driving for 12 months. She must also pay costs of £185 and a £95 victim surcharge.

Higginbottom, of Goldsmith Close, Hereford, received a 12-month community order, 120 hours of unpaid work, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He must also pay compensation of £250, and a £95 victim surcharge.