A Craigavon woman who was detected “just over the limit” has been handed a 12-month disqualification.
Andrea Ward, 48, of Carrigart Manor, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on December 7, at 4.25pm, police received a report of a suspected drink driver at a petrol station on the Lake Road, Craigavon.
CCTV showed the defendant drive into the forecourt of the station.
Officers spoke to Ward and noted that she smelled of intoxicating liquor.
A preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail. An evidential sample taken in Lurgan Custody Suite gave a reading of 49mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
The defendant opted for a blood sample to be taken and, upon analysis, this gave a reading of 86mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.
Defence solicitor Siun Downey stated: “She has one previous for no insurance and on that occasion, it was an oversight by Ms Ward.
“She is extremely embarrassed and asked to apologise. She is not someone I believe will be before the court again.”
District Judge Stephen Keown commented: “This was a very low reading, just over the limit.”
Ward was disqualified from driving and ordered to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see her ban reduced to one of nine months if completed.
