Woman ‘intercepted’ by police going home

Aisling Quinn (34), of The Millrace, Coalisland, was also fined £150 with a £15 offender levy for driving while having consumed excess alcohol.

Imposing the penalties, District Judge Michael Ranaghan certified Quinn suitable to take part in the drink-driving rehabilitation course which, if successfully completed, will entitle her to a reduction in her period of disqualification.

Prosecution counsel told Dungannon Magistrates Court on Wednesday that on May 8 at approximately 10.45pm police where at Old Coagh Road, Cookstown.

He said police spoke to a number of intoxicated people who were standing nearby and they said they were waiting for a lift.

Counsel said a vehicle then turned into Old Park Mews and police spoke to the driver and detected a smell of intoxicating liquor.

He said the driver, Quinn, failed a preliminary breath test, and was arrested.

The lawyer said she later provided an evidential specimen, which showed an alcoholic count of 46mgs in breath.

A defence lawyer said Quinn had been driving for two years and was in a friend’s house in Cookstown and took a few drinks. He said she fell asleep and when she woke she decided to make her way home to Coalisland but was intercepted by the police.

The lawyer said the defendant wished to apologise to the court, and now faced the difficulty of getting her licence back.