A Craigavon woman who drove whilst almost four times the legal limit must wait until the New Year to learn her fate.
Ordering a pre-sentence report in the case involving the 41-year-old, the deputy district judge disqualified the defendant during the interim with a decision on the length of the ban to be made on January 8.
Nicola Briege McGuigan, of Hillcrest Manor, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Defence solicitor Siun Downey commented: “It is a matter for your worship if this would benefit from the preparation of a pre-sentence report as it was quite a high reading.”
Prosecution outlined that on October 26, at 9.20pm, police observed a car swerving erratically on the Drumgor Road in Craigavon and they followed as it went onto the Moyraverty Road, where it came to an abrupt stop.
Officers spoke to the defendant, who was identified as the driver. They noted that her eyes were glazed and her speech was slurred.
A preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail. McGuigan was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
Whilst in custody, an evidential sample of breath was taken which gave a reading of 138mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – almost four times the legal limit.
Deputy District Judge Gerry Trainor stated: “You are disqualified from today until further notice. I am ordering a report and you will return to find out how long the disqualification will last.”
The case was adjourned until January 8 for sentencing.
