A learner driver caught travelling at more than 130mph has been fined and disqualified from driving.

Cydney Mantle, 28, was driving at 62mph more than the 70mph limit when she was caught on camera on the M25 near Epping, at 11.30pm on September 13, 2015.

Mantle, from Beckenham in Kent, only held a provisional driving licence, failed to display ‘L’ plates on the Audi car she was driving and was not allowed to drive on the motorway.

Last Tuesday (July 19), she told Chelmsford Crown Court she drove the car to get home after a night out with her partner, because he had been drinking and should not have been behind the wheel.

She gave no explanation for her excessive speed.

She was disqualified for six months, fined £220, ordered to pay £90 costs and a £22 victim surcharge.

The disqualification means she is banned from driving any vehicle on the road and will be unable to take driving lessons for this period of time.

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager at Essex Police, said: “Speed is a contributory factor to 60 per cent of collisions on the roads of Essex.

“Speeding risks and ruins lives and there are no excuses for such irresponsible driving behaviour.

“I hope this sends out a clear message to drivers and anyone thinking about learning to drive.

“Driving comes with responsibility and failure to abide by the rules of the road is taken seriously by the courts.

“We all have a responsibility to keep the roads of our county safe.

“My officers conduct regular speed checks and we have volunteer community speed watch teams doing their bit across the county.

“If you’re concerned about speeding where you live, please let us know by emailing driving.complaints@essex.pnn.police.uk.”