A DRINK-driver who knocked down two women leaving them with horrific injuries has been banned from the roads for a year.

Mother of three Deborah Hoare mowed down close friends Karen Matthewman and Kim Nutting as they walked home arm in arm from a Saturday night out.

Mrs Matthewman suffered two broken legs after being thrown through the car's windscreen while Mrs Nutting had to have an arm amputated after ending up in a ditch.

Magistrates, who had found Hoare guilty of driving with excess alcohol and driving without due care and attention at an earlier hearing, imposed the 12-month ban and a 100-hour community punishment order. She was also fined £250 and ordered to pay £250 costs.

The ban started from March 26 - the date Hoare, of Heather Road, Blackfield, was convicted. She had denied both charges.

After the case Mrs Matthewman and Mrs Nutting, both 35, told the Daily Echo that they were pleased magistrates had imposed a driving ban.

In a brief joint statement the women, said: "That is what we hoped for. Now we just want to get on with our lives and get better."

The pair had been walking along Newlands Road, Blackfield, when their night out turned into a nightmare.

They have each had at least six operations and they face the ordeal of having to go through more surgery as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

The women were in the public gallery at New Forest Magistrates' Court to hear Hoare sentenced.

Tim Selwood, representing Hoare, said his client was full of remorse and deeply sorry for the long-term injuries sustained by the two victims.

He said: "It is a tragic episode in which a number of people have paid a very heavy price."

Mr Selwood said Hoare's health had suffered and she was currently on medication for depression.

He said: "This has been hanging over her for 18 months and it continues to weigh heavily against her. It illustrates the extent for which she had paid for this moment of inattention."

Mr Selwood said there had not been any evidence of excessive speed. He said that the two pedestrians had been walking with their backs to the traffic and wearing almost entirely black clothing.

He said that there had also been evidence that they had been walking erratically in the road which was unlit.

Mr Selwood said Hoare had never had an accident before and had previously had a completely clean driving record.