Lisburn woman crashed her car as a ‘cry for help’, court hears
A Lisburn woman who crashed her car has been fined and given eight penalty points by a judge.
Victoria Selena Elizabeth Minford, aged 24, whose address was given as Drumbeg Drive, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with driving without due care and attention.
The court heard that on August 4, 2025 at 1.40am, police were tasked to a single vehicle road traffic collision on the Tansy Road in Lisburn.
It was stated that the defendant had lost control of her car and that the vehicle had overturned and ended up in a ditch.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service cut the defendant out of the vehicle.
It was reported there was alcohol in the defendant’s breath sample but that it was below the legal limit.
During police interview the defendant stated that it had been her intention to take her own life and that was the cause of the accident.
A defence lawyer told the court: “This occurred in the midst of a mental health crisis.”
He said the defendant had since spent time as an in-patient for her mental health and is “trying to move forward in her life”.
He continued: “This was a cry for help.
"She’s addressing issues of mental health and underlying issues with alcohol. She is keen to put this behind her.”
District Judge Rosie Watters told the defendant: “This would have affected other people’s lives.
“It would have affected everyone that knows and cares for you.”
Ms Watters imposed a fine of £150, as well as an offender’s levy of £15.
She also endorsed the defendant’s driving licence with eight penalty points.