A 43-year-old Belleek woman faces a £325 fine and a 12 month driving ban after she was detected on a number of motoring offences and came before a recent sitting of Fermanagh Magistrates Court.

Resident Magistrate Liam McNally heard how at approximately 12.20am on Sunday, 9th March, the defendant Regina Cecilia O'Connor from Rocorn Road, Belleek was stopped by police driving a Nissan Primera car. Police detected a strong smell of intoxicating liquor of her breath and her eyes were glazed. She subsequently failed a breath test, was arrested and cautioned. A later blood test revealed 181 millilitres of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, that being 101 in excess of the legal limit.

It was further discovered that O'Connor had failed to display 'L' plates and was not insured to drive the vehicle.

Defending, Jane Armstrong told the court that her client was a 43-year-old lady who lived with her partner and two children, and was a part-time nanny.

She submitted that the offences before the court were out of character for the defendant. She said she was not insured to drive the vehicle because it was owned by her partner who had intended to sell it on. Miss Armstrong said the defendant had left at 11pm and had taken some drink before making the return journey home.

She had been out the previous night at a function and the two nights had had a cumulative effect.

She submitted that the defendant had driven a quarter of a mile when she was detected. She conveyed her apologies to the court for her foolish actions.

Mr McNally said he would consider O'Connor's early plea and clear record. For driving with excess alcohol he imposed a £200 fine and a 12 month driving ban, deeming O'Connor suitable for the drink drivers course. For driving without insurance, he imposed £100 and a six month driving ban. For failing to display 'L' plates, he imposed a £25 fine. Both driving bans are to run concurrently.