Woman was three times over the limit

Before Friday’s sitting of North Antrim Magistrates’ Court was Tanya Robinson (43) of Sandelwood Avenue.

Robinson came to the attention of police at the a garage forecourt in the Somerset area of Coleraine on April 14. She was inside the garage making a purchase, came out and got into her car.

Police approached her, and when they opened the door, there was a strong smell of alcohol inside the vehicle.

A breath test at the scene indicated that Robinson had 103 mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, almost three times over the legal limit.

Robinson was arrested for driving with excess alcohol, and taken to Coleraine PSNI station.

A second breath test at the PSNI station had a higher reading of 107mg. During interview, Robinson made no comment.

Robinson’s defence, Mr Crossley told the court that his client came before the court with a clear record.

He said that the mother-of-one had been out with a friend on the night, and had stopped at the garage to buy cigarettes on her way home.

He added that she was embarrassed and humiliated by her actions.

District Judge, Richard Wilson, fined Robinson 200 and disqualified her from driving for a year.