Tyrone motorist who told police she had 'two or three glasses of wine' was more than twice the legal drink driving limit
A Co Tyrone motorist who told police she had two or three glasses of wine earlier that morning, has lost her licence for 14 months.
Jennifer Donnelly, aged 55, whose address was given as Market Square, Dungannon, was also fined £250 with a £15 offender’s levy for driving while having consumed excess alcohol in breath on October 27.
Prosecuting counsel told Dungannon Magistrates Court that at approximately 1.55pm, police on mobile patrol at Hillhead Road, Stewartstown, stopped a car heading towards Dungannon.
The lawyer said earlier there had been a report of the defendant being missing and she appeared visibly upset.
She was conveyed to her home address where police noticed a smell of intoxicating liquor and the Donnelly told them she had two or three glasses of wine earlier that morning.
The court heard she failed a preliminary test and was taken to Dungannon custody, where she provided an evidential specimen showing an alcohol reading of 82 mcgs per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 mcgs.
A defence lawyer said the defendant was a bank official and has been driving for 18 years with a clear record.
He said she lived with her elderly parents and looked after them. She also has two grown-up daughters with whom she has contact.
The lawyer explained the matter arose out of a concern for a person report.
He added that she cooperated fully with the police and pleaded with the court to consider her long clear record.
District Judge Francis Rafferty remarked it was a high reading.