A nurse who drove into oncoming traffic after finishing her shift has been spared a driving ban due to her “valuable work”.

A couple were left with serious injuries after Coral Blackwell, from Margate, crashed into their minivan as it travelled the other way along the A28 Canterbury Road in Brooksend, near Birchington.

Prior to the collision, the 55-year-old was on her way home from work at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital when the route is said to have "bent suddenly to the left".

Her defence barrister, Ian Bond, told a hearing at Margate Magistrates' Court last week that the mum-of-two had never been in trouble with the police, before adding she "wasn’t even ever in detention at school".

"It’s hard to say why what happened, did happen," Mr Bond said.

"The road bent suddenly to the left, but she carried on driving straight forward.

"She collided with oncoming traffic and a brand-new VW California Transport Van.”

Blackwell, who was driving a DS 3 Cross at the time, was not travelling above the 40mph speed limit.

The driver of the van and his wife were both rushed to hospital following the collision, while the two people in the back of the vehicle also sustained injuries.

"The driver had upper chest injuries, bruising to his knees and whiplash," Mr Bond added.

"His wife suffered broken ribs and damage to her spine."

Magistrates heard the engines of both vehicles were significantly damaged in the crash, which took place at about 1pm on June 10.

Oh her behalf, Blackwell’s insurance company accepted liability for the damage to both motors.

She pleaded guilty to one charge of driving in a public place without due care and attention.

But despite the severity of the incident, her lawyer asked the court for leniency.

“She told me ‘I wasn’t even ever in detention at school’,” he reasoned.

“What is clear is she is of exemplary character.

“She is a registered dental nurse in Canterbury and on a daily basis she deals with head and neck cancer cases.

“She has two daughters who are also nurses.”

Chairman of the bench Kasia Parham decided not to cancel the nurse’s driving licence.

"We’ve seen the very valuable work you do and consider your good character," she stated.

"We’re not going to disqualify you - but we will put seven points on your licence."

Blackwell was fined £364 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £36 and an £85 prosecution cost.