Coalisland woman spotted by police driving in middle of road towards Platers Hill loses licence for 16 months

Dungannon Magistrates Court heard that at approximately 10.30 pm on April 26, police were on patrol in the Coalisland area when their attention was drawn to the vehicle.

Before the court was Sharon Bradley, of Ardnaskea Court, Coalisland, who was also fined £200 with a £15 offender's levy for failing to provide a specimen while driving unfit.

She was fined a further £100 for driving without due care and attention on the same occasion.

Prosecuting counsel said police observed the defendant driving in the middle of the road before veering back on to her own side.

She said the defendant nearly collided with the kerb on several occasions and struggled to negotiate a mini roundabout.

Police activated the blue lights and siren but the vehicle continued on for a considerable distance before pulling in at Ardnaskea Court, counsel said.

She said, on speaking to Bradley, police could smell intoxicating liquor, and the defendant failed a preliminary test and was conveyed to custody.

Counsel said she was asked for an evidential specimen, however, she became agitated and failed to provide the breath sample.

A defence lawyer said the defendant is very remorseful and has not taken alcohol since the incident.

She explained the defendant had not been coping well following a bereavement and had been coming from an anniversary Mass.