Charea Thomas appeared in Armidale Local court on Monday to appeal her licence suspension.

She told the court she was charged with driving 10 kilometres or under the speed limit during the Easter long weekend, a period for which NSW Police imposed a double demerit point policy.

The University of New England nursing student said her night-time supermarket job meant she needed her licence, as public transport was not available at the time she clocked off.

She also said her licence was vital to the completion of her university course.

“I have to do placement for my nursing degree which can be anywhere in New South Wales,” Thomas said.

She told the court she had no family living in Armidale, and no one to rely to help with transport.

Magistrate Holmes said the original suspension of three months was “significant” for someone in Thomas’ circumstances.

“I’m going to dismiss the appeal, but I’m varying the suspension period to five days,” Magistrate Holmes said.

“That starts form midnight – so you can drive home if you drove here today, but don’t drive after midnight for five days.”