A teenage care worker has been given an absolute discharge after causing an accident which injured two of her passengers.
Court heard the 18-year-old had been assisting work colleagues after their car broke down when the collision occurred.
Victoria Parr, of Annareagh Road, Richhill pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
It was heard that on July 17, police received a report of a one vehicle collision on the Eagralougher Road, Loughgall.
Officers noted that conditions were wet and observed a Renault Clio, which had been driven by the defendant, had collided with a verge causing damage to the front of the vehicle.
Police spoke to two passengers who were inside the car and they complained of injuries.
On July 21, the passengers made a report to police of their injuries.
They claimed that Parr had been driving too fast for the road conditions and that they had asked her to slow down.
When interviewed, the defendant said she felt that she had been driving in a safe manner at around 35mph.
She claimed the collision had been caused by the passengers giving her differing directions which led to her making a late turn.
Defence solicitor Joan Currie stated: “This young lady is a care worker. The two passengers that were in her car are colleagues.
“She had been off on this day but was asked by her boss to collect these two ladies as their car had broken down.”
She continued: “This was a mission of mercy. The two ladies were already one hour late for their next patient.
“Ms Parr claims that the ladies had told her to drive on when she came to a fork in the road, however, they later stated that they meant for her to follow the road and this is when the collision occurred.”
Ms Currie added: “Ms Parr is 18, she is still within her restricted period and due to her occupation as a care worker her licence is essential to her employment.”
Parr was handed absolute discharge and three penalty points for the offence.
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