Woman drops legal bid to beat drink drive charge

A TEENAGER caught drink-driving was intending to fight the charge on the basis she was in a shopping centre car park which had signs claiming the area was private property and therefore not a public road.

Zara Sherry denied committing the offence on July 12 at the Asda Shopping Centre complex in Cookstown.

The case was listed for contest and in the run-up, Sherry (19), from Coronation Park, Aughnacloy, maintained her denials.

Yesterday, however, as the case was due to be heard, a defending lawyer advised the charge was now accepted.

Dungannon Magistrates Court heard police on patrol in Cookstown were alerted to a vehicle being repeatedly driven at speed, braking sharply and turning in the car park.

They spoke to Sherry, who was noted to have been drinking. She was arrested and in custody provided a breath specimen of 52mcg of alcohol, 17mcg in excess of the legal limit.

District Judge John Meehan enquired: “On what grounds was this denied and listed to be contested?”

The defence replied there was some doubt as to whether or not the car park could be considered a public area as “there are signs saying it is private property”.

But the defence said Sherry now accepted the argument was not valid, hence her change of plea. Judge Meehan adjourned sentencing and Sherry was remanded on continuing bail to return to court later this month.