BMW driver who reared-ended another car at Magherafelt given three-year ban
The driver of a BMW car who was said by the prosecution to have rear-ended another vehicle in Magherafelt, has been handed a three-year driving disqualification.
Magherafelt Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday that police were called to the two-vehicle collision in the Union Road area of the town on May 9.
Thirty-four-year-old Eva Horihan, of Regency Drive, Magherafelt, was also fined a total of £550 with a £15 offender’s levy and placed on probation for 12 months for driving while unfit through drink/drugs, driving while disqualified, driving without due care and attention, and having no insurance.
Passing sentence, District Judge Conor Heaney told Horihan he had read the pre-sentence report and believed there is scope for the Probation Service to help and rehabilitate her.
Prosecuing counsel said despite the low speed involved quite a bit of damage was caused to the other car, and the defendant was arrested and displayed signs of intoxication.
She said her speech was slurred and she appeared confused and unsteady on her feet. Counsel said a blood specimen was obtained which showed elements of drugs, including cocaine.
The lawyer added the defendant had previously been disqualified at Ballymena Magistrates Court in July, 2025, for failing to provide a specimen.
A defence lawyer pointed out a breath test for alcohol had provided a zero reading and a blood specimen for drugs was then taken.
He said Horihan, a mobile caterer, had been dealing with difficult issues at the time of the incident.
Counsel stressed she has addiction and mental health issues, and has expressed regret and remorse at what had happened.
The judge allowed her 26 weeks to discharge the fines.