An outspoken campaigner against speeding has been banned from the roads after she was caught drink driving.

Commoner Erika Dovey was nearly twice the legal limit when she was caught behind the wheel in Burley last month.

The 43-year-old, who is a ranger for the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA), is known for speaking out against dangerous drivers in the national park.

She was previously interviewed by the Echo in November 2020 when one of her horses was killed in a hit and run incident.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on April 30, Dovey faced a single charge of drink driving.

The court heard she was driving a Toyota Hillux on Lyndhurst Road in Burley on April 2.

She was found to have 60 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Dovey, of Burley Lodge, Burley, pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving.

She was banned from driving for 18 months and must pay a £600 fine.

She was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £245 surcharge.

Speaking at the time, Dovey said a localised campaign to catch the driver which hit her horse helped him face justice.

She said: "Because it wasn’t reported, the filly was in agony and left to bleed to death.

"I understand accidents happen but please report them so the animal doesn’t suffer.”

READ MORE: Emaciated donkeys suffered for weeks after owners' neglect

Dovey uploaded a number of Facebook posts about the incident in order to find the culprit, which were shared by thousands of people.

The driver later handed himself into police. 

Dovey works as a ranger with the NPA and is often seen engaging with members of the public while out on patrols, discussing commoning in the national park and road safety. 

On the NPA website, Dovey is quoted urging people to look after the New Forest, adding: "I would ask people to please take responsibility for their actions when visiting, look out for the signs, pick up after your dog or picnic.

"Take only memories and leave no trace."

The New Forest National Park Authority and Erika Dovey have been approached for a comment.