Drink driver banned from road after backing car into Ballycastle Christmas tree

A WOMAN who was found to be more than three times the drink drive limit reversed a car into a town’s official Christmas tree, a court has heard.

Mary Delargy (43), of Harbour View Apartments, North Street, Ballycastle, had gone to the shops in a Peugeot 206 car on November 17 this year when she struck the tree at The Diamond in the centre of the Co Antrim town.

She appeared in the dock at Coleraine Magistrates Court yesterday where a prosecutor said the defendant had an alcohol level of 117 microgrammes with the legal limit being 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath.

Defence barrister Francis Rafferty said it was a “most unfortunate set of circumstances, she had gone to do some messages”.

The lawyer said the defendant made full admissions. Delargy pleaded guilty to a number of charges including driving with excess alcohol in her breath, and

Drive ban: Mary Delargy

since the incident had got rid of the vehicle and had not driven.

“She is a lady of previously unimpeachable character, she has made a terrible mistake,” he added.

Deputy District Judge John Rea said he took into account the guilty plea and clear record but said the “extremely high reading” would have to be reflected in sentencing.

Delargy was banned from driving for 18 months and she will have to re-sit a test if she wants to get back on the road. She was also fined £375.