A 42-YEAR-OLD woman whose car was observed on the wrong side of the road as it approached a police checkpoint in Belcoo was found to be around three-and-a-half times over the legal drink-driving limit, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

Deborah Anne Gill, of Knightsbridge, Tandragee, county Armagh, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in her breath and using a motor vehicle without insurance at Main Street, Belcoo on March 15 this year.

The court heard that, at 5am, police at a vehicle checkpoint in Belcoo observed a silver Mercedes driving on the wrong side of the road, before correcting itself.

Upon stopping the car and speaking to the defendant, who was driving, officers noted that she was in an “agitated and anxious” state.

Checks carried out also revealed that Gill had no insurance.

After failing a preliminary breath test, the defendant was cautioned with the offence and made no reply.

A further evidential breath test returned a reading of 127 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath – a total of 92 micrograms over the legal limit.

Defending solicitor, Gabriel Ingram, told the court that he proposed dealing with the case largely by handing in a number of written documents.

These included his client’s own statement on what happened on the evening in question, various medical reports outlining the deterioration of her mental health prior to the incident and a letter of reference from her employer.

Mr Ingram said the defendant was divorced two years ago, which had created some mental health difficulties at the time.

He said that there were “various stresses” going on in her life which unfortunately culminated in the incident before the court.

The solicitor said that, on the night in question, Gill had left Sligo after suffering a panic attack and had been attempting to drive home.

He described his client as “extremely remorseful”.

Mr Ingram said she had made a “stupid and reckless” decision with drink taken.

“Sometimes good people make bad decisions,” he told the court.

In mitigation, the solicitor said the defendant had been driving for 21 years.

Her only previous endorsement had been three penalty points received for speeding, the court heard.

Deputy district judge, Brian Archer, observed that he would give credit to the defendant for her guilty pleas.

The judge imposed a £300 fine, a £15 offender levy and a 16-month disqualification for driving with excess alcohol.

Meanwhile, he fined her a further £400 for driving without insurance and also imposed a concurrent 12-month ban on this offence.

Mr Archer certified Gill as a suitable candidate for the drink-driving course.

She will be eligible for a discount on her ban of up to 25 per cent upon successful completion.