Car rolled back towards police officers

A blood test confirmed that a woman had drugs in her system while she was driving a car, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard last Thursday.

Paula McCartan (30), Windmill Heights, Newry, was fined £150, ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy and banned for 12 months for driving while unfit on October 17 last year.

For unlawful possession of cocaine on the same date she was fined £150 and for possession of cannabis a £100 fine was imposed.

The court heard that at 12.18am police saw a car begin to move slowly back towards them in the car park of Friar Tuck’s in Banbridge.

When the driver’s door was open there was a strong smell of cannabis from inside the vehicle. McCartan handed over a rolled up cigarette which she said was a joint she had been smoking.

A small bag of cannabis and a small bag of cannabis were also found.

Another wrap of cocaine was found in her purse.

A blood sample confirmed there were drugs in her system.

The drugs were for her personal use.

She had a previous caution for possession of a class B drug in 2013.

A barrister representing McCartan said she admitted to being a cannabis user but this had been a wake up call for her and she will desist in engaging in drugs.

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