A Keady woman who drove whilst over the legal limit has been handed a 12 month disqualification.
The 33-year-old’s barrister informed court that his client was an “intercontinental lorry driver” but her employment would be lost as a result of the inevitable outcome of proceedings.
Mary Shortt, of Granemore Park, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in breath at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
With the matter initially listed for contest, defence barrister Patrick Taggart stated that the defendant was claiming to have driven under “duress”.
He told court that Shortt had been driving away from a male with whom her family had prior issues.
However, following District Judge Bernie Kelly commenting that this defence could not be relied upon as the defendant had a phone and should have contacted police, a plea was entered.
Mr Taggart commented that the defendant was a woman who “did not have her trouble to seek” and that her employment as an “intercontinental lorry driver” would end due to her plea.
Prosecution added only that the reading had been one of 62mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
The particulars outline that the offence occurred on October 13 on Kinelowen Street, Keady, with Mr Taggart submitting his client travelled a distance of “about 50 yards”.
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “This is not the highest reading but she is a professional driver. She should understand the importance of being focused on the road at all times.”
Shortt was disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see her ban reduced to one of nine months upon completion.
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