A Portadown woman, who was described as an “alcoholic” by the district judge, has appeared in court for her fourth drink driving offence.
Talking about the 51-year-old, District Judge Rosie Watters said: “We have been waiting for a wake-up call and that hasn’t happened. The help is out there for her.”
Suzanne Gilmore, of Carrick Road, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on December 27, at 11.40am, police received a report of a suspected drink driver in a Nissan car in the Portadown area.
At around noon, officers observed a vehicle with a matching registration leaving the Texaco filling station on the Dungannon Road, Portadown.
Police stopped the vehicle and spoke to the defendant. After noting a strong smell of intoxicating liquor a preliminary breath test was carried out, resulting in a fail.
Whilst in custody, an evidential sample of breath was taken giving a reading of 129mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
District Judge Rosie Watters stated: “She has a problem and this is her fourth driving with excess alcohol. She is clearly an alcoholic and I need a report.
“We have been waiting for a wake-up call and that hasn’t happened. The help is out there for her.”
She added: “This offence carries the potential of a custodial sentence. She hasn’t killed anyone yet but there is a possibility she could.”
The case was adjourned until February 28 for sentencing.
