A Tandragee woman was detected over the limit when she was spotted driving the wrong way down a one-way street.
Court heard that this was the 33-year-old’s second related offence, after having been handed an 18 month ban in 2015 for an in charge conviction.
Victoria Hanvey, of Woodview Park, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in breath at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on October 11, at around teatime, police on patrol on Banbrook Hill in Armagh observed a Ford Fiesta going the wrong way down a one-way street.
Officers spoke to the driver, who was identified as the defendant, and noted that she smelled of alcohol.
A preliminary breath test was conducted which resulted in a fail.
Whilst at Lurgan Custody Suite, an evidential sample of breath was taken which gave a reading of 82 mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
Defence solicitor Kevin McCamley stated: “This is her second related offence in 10 years. She has two children and resided with her father.
“This was in the backdrop of a very chaotic time around contact with her children. This in turn had an effect on her mental health. This is not an excuse but an explanation.”
He continued: “The defendant made bad decision making. She had been drinking then made the decision to drive to get food.
“Her children live in Armagh and she lives in Tandragee. This will have an affect on her contact with her children.”
Mr McCamley added: “The related offence occurred in 2015. She is aware of the minimum disqualification but instructs she was not offered the drink driving course on that occasion.”
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay stated: “She was not given the course on the last occasion as it was an in charge offence. She was disqualified for 18 months on that occasion.”
Hanvey was disqualified from driving for three years and was ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
She was certified for the drink driving course which would see her ban reduced by 25% upon completion.
