A woman who almost collided with the barrier when pulled over by police along the M1 was advised to seek medical help to address her alcohol issues.
Brigid Dawson, 42, of an address in Cedarmount, Antrim, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with failing to provide, driving with excess alcohol, and driving when unfit through drink or drugs.
The court heard that on January 5, shortly before 2am, police were on the M1 and spotted a Citroen C3 veering towards the white lines on either side of the lane and driving at low speeds.
Police signalled for the vehicle to stop and pull onto the hard shoulder, at which point the car almost collided with the barrier.
The driver – Dawson – smelled of alcohol and was slurring her speech. A preliminary breath test gave a reading of 160, at which point she was arrested. In Lurgan custody suite, she was further arrested for failing to provide a specimen.
Dawson’s defence barrister said she was a woman with a clear record who “has never been before a criminal court” in her life.
He explained: “She was living with her husband in Portlaoise, and that difficult relationship broke down early last year. She was effectively made homeless as a result and has found it very difficult to get housing in the Republic.
“Her children reside with their father; they are 10 and 17, and she had been living out of her car and in a hostel for a period. She is now staying with her mother in Antrim.”
He added: “She’s unfortunately turned to alcohol since the breakdown of that marriage and the difficulties with her children.
“After her arrest, the police advised her to get medical help. She spoke to a doctor to help address her alcohol issues, and she’s trying to get her life back on track.”
He added that the loss of her licence “is going to have a big impact on her.”
District Judge Rosie Watters remarked: “She was obviously pretty intoxicated and her driving was poor.”
Dawson was disqualified from driving for 18 months, to be reduced by 25% on completion of the drink-driving course.
She was also fined £200, along with a £15 offender’s levy.
