Driving ban for Portrush woman

Nicola Jayne Doherty (29) of Magherabuoy Drive, appeared before North Antrim Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with driving whilst unfit and driving with no test certificate.

Court heard that Doherty came to the attention of police on March 4 this year at 12.30am. She was observed reversing her car at Causeway Street, causing another driver to swerve to avoid her vehicle.

Police smelled alcohol on Doherty’s breath and she was unsteady on her feet. It also transpired that there was no MOT for the vehicle she was driving. A breath test indicated that she was more than twice over the limit.

A solicitor said Doherty had been out with family in a bar.

He said that she had given her car keys to the barman, but she later fell out with a family member and decided to drive.

District Judge Richard Wilson fined Doherty 250 and put her off the road for 12 months.