A Keady woman who was detected driving whilst over three times the legal limit in the middle of the day has been disqualified from driving for two years.
The district judge told the 49-year-old: “You are an alcoholic. No normal person would have that reading. You need help.”
Martina Mone, of Caramoyle, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in breath at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
It was heard that on July 13, police received a report from a member of the public regarding a suspected drink driver in a Toyota Avensis in Armagh.
Officers spotted the vehicle on the Moy Road and upon speaking to the driver noted a strong smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle.
A preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail and the defendant was subsequently arrested at 1.05pm.
Whilst in custody, an evidential reading of 107mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained.
District Judge Rosie Watters commented: “She has a problem, doesn’t she?”
Defence solicitor Leanne Sweeney stated: “This would be accepted. She had been at a party the night before and did not realise she was still over the limit.
“She has one previous for the same offence back in 2005 but this is a woman who is hoping to seek help for her problem.”
District Judge Watters said: “You have a relevant previous and this is a very very high reading. Over three times the limit in the middle of the day.
“You are an alcoholic. No normal person would have that reading. You need help.”
She added: “If you continue to drive and drink it could lead to yourself or some else being hurt”.
Mone was disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
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