A Loughgall woman who abandoned her following a crash was drink driving, a court has heard.
Dawn Bridgett, 47, of Orchard Drive, appeared before Armagh Magistrates’ on Tuesday charged with driving whilst under the influence, careless driving and failing to report an accident.
The incident occurred around 10.40pm on January 18 when police were called to Old Road, Loughgall, to find a Seat Leon blocking the road.
There was damage to the front and the side of the car as well as a Volkswagen Passat, which had also been involved.
The car’s details led police to the defendant’s address where they spoke to Bridgett, who smelt strongly of alcohol.
The defendant failed a preliminary breath test later in custody, with a reading of as 89mg per 100ml of breath.
When interviewed Bridgett explained she had been at her cousin’s house, where she had consumed alcohol.
Later she realised that she was running late for a meeting and “foolishly decided to drive”.
The court also heard that Bridgett had no recollection of leaving the scene.
Defence counsel stated Bridgett admits that she has an alcohol problem and was now remedying this by attending AA meetings.
District Judge Paul Copeland commented that this was “not her first offence of drink driving offence” and banned her from driving for three years.
She was also fined £200 to be paid within 12 weeks, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
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