Banbridge woman pulled handbrake and caused crash

Amy Wilson from Linenhall Street, was fined £250.

A PPS prosecutor explained how at 5.50am on 5 May police were tasked to a road traffic accident at Laurencetown.

On arrival they found a vehicle on the footpath with it’s front in a ditch.

The bumper and skirt were damaged.

The driver alleged that Wilson had pulled the hand brake on while he was driving causing him to lose control, skid and crash.

Wilson then claimed her actions were a result of the driver punching her in the face.

However during a medical examination she made no mention of this injury or pain. She did admit pulling the hand brake.

A solicitor said Wilson had been to a party and an argument with the driver had continued in the car.

He said his client alleges she was struck in some capacity.

District Judge Mr Paul Copeland said the striking allegation was not accepted by the Crown and he referred instead to “crazed intoxication.”

The court heard Wilson had mental health issues and was currently pregnant with her first child.

Judge Copeland said, “There is absolutely no evidence to corroborate the fact that you were under any threat by the man who was taking you home.

“You responded to an invitation to join him at a party and there you consumed vast quantities of alcohol which constitutes an example of binge drinking.

“You were highly intoxicated and engaged in dangerous and confrontational behaviour which caused this accident.

“Thankfully no-one else was involved.”

Wilson was given ten weeks to pay the fine or warned she faces 14 days in prison.

She was also told to pay an offenders levy of £15.