A Tandragee woman who claimed she drove on after colliding with a signpost because she saw no damage has been handed five penalty points.
The district judge stated: “One function of this court is to protect the public, it is a grave concern that there is someone behind the wheel of a car that can’t see.”
Rebecca Tate, 23, of Castle Rise, pleaded guilty to careless driving, failing to report an accident and failing to remain at the scene of an accident at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on May 4, police received a report that an Audi had collided with a signpost on Lisnisky Lane, Craigavon, but had not remained there.
Officers went to the address of the last registered owner of the vehicle and spoke to the defendant.
She made full admissions to the offence stating she had lost control of the car whilst making a quick turn.
Tate accepted that this had been a rash decision.
She told police she had left the scene as she did not see any damage and panicked.
Defence solicitor Gabriel Ingram stated: “At the time she was on her way to Craigavon Area Hospital to see her young daughter, she was emotional.
“She has been driving for six years and has no penalty points.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “One function of this court is to protect the public, it is a grave concern that there is someone behind the wheel of a car that can’t see.
“Look what is left of the front left side of her car and she couldn’t see any damage.”
She continued: “There are no extreme circumstances that render you blind, she shouldn’t lie to police, she shouldn’t lie to you and she shouldn’t get you to pass that lie on to me.”
Tate was handed five penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £375, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
