Trapped in car with daughter

Last week’s court heard that Gillian Bell (50), from The Belfry, was trapped in the car with her 11 year old daughter, however both were uninjured.

Bell was banned from driving for twelve months and fined £250, as well as a £15 offender’s levy.

Deputy District Judge Mr Joe Rice said Bell was a suitable candidate for the drink drive offender’s programme which, if successfully completed, will see her period of disqualification reduced to nine months.

The court heard how on May 24 at 11.30pm, police received a radio transmission telling them a car had been involved in an incident on the Lower Quilly Road, Dromore, going down a bank and into a field.

The driver identified herself and officers detected a strong smell of intoxicating liquor. She failed a roadside test and officers noted she was accompanied in the car by her 11 year old daughter. Neither were injured and Bell made no reply to caution.

At Banbridge Custody Suite a reading revealed 71 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml breath.

Solicitor Mr Conleth Downey said his client had been driving for twenty years with no blemish.

He said on the night in question her daughter had been staying at a sleep-over. He said Bell had drunk vodka and hadn’t intended to drive, but had to go and collect her daughter.

Bell was given five months to pay the fines.

Mr Rice said the conviction means Bell “loses her good character”, has social implications and “employment consequences.”