The driver of a car which smashed into an iconic Cheshire landmark, reducing it to a pile of rubble, has been fined and banned from driving for a year.

Lesley Davis, 57, of Northwich admitted a charge of dangerous driving at Chester Crown Court on May 16 this year following last November’s incident, when her Corsa smashed into the historic, grade II listed round tower, which later had to be completely demolished amid safety fears.

Cheshire West and Chester Council last week announced they have submitted an application to begin the tower’s reconstruction, after granting it planning and listed building consent, and it will now go to Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for final determination.

But following a huge amount of public interest into the background of the incident, The Chronicle can now exclusively reveal that the restoration project will not be funded by the taxpayer, and will be paid for out of Ms Davis’ own insurance.

During her court hearing, Ms Davis was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to take an extended re-test before she could regain her licence. She was also fined £4,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £340. A victim surcharge of £40 was also made against her.

She was briefly treated in hospital after the incident, suffering only minor injuries.