Woman fined €300 for careless driving on N11

A woman took benzodiazepine in her car because she was having a panic attack at being pulled over, Bray District Court heard last week.

Siobhan Crimmins (36), 49 Holywell Crescent, Sea Road, Kilcoole, was in court last Thursday to face charges of obstruction and careless driving on the N11 at Old Fassaroe on December 13, 2016.

Garda Gillian McNulty saw Crimmins driving northbound on the N11. She overtook another vehicle while swerving and swerved back in front. Garda McNulty said that she didn’t indicate and used the brakes erratically. No accident occurred and the other vehicle drove on.

Garda McNutly stopped Crimmins’ car. The driver had a substance in her mouth, which she swallowed and the garda believed it to be benzodiazepine.

The court heard that the medication was prescribed and she was suffering a panic attack after seeing the blue lights.

Judge David Kennedy handed down a fine of €300 for careless driving, taking into consideration the obstruction.