AN Enniskillen woman has been sentenced for being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit. 

Nicola Gallagher (43), with an address of The Limes, Enniskillen, received 10 penalty points and a £350 fine at a hearing of Enniskillen Magistrate's Court yesterday (Wednesday).

Gallagher had entered a guilty plea to a single charge of being in charge of a vehicle with excess alcohol in her breath, while two other charges - including assaulting a police officer, and drink-driving - had been withdrawn.

A prosecutor told the court how on April 9 of this year, police received a report of a possible drink-driver "travelling on the wrong side of the road" in Enniskillen.

Police located a Mercedes GLC vehicle at the Ashwoods Road. Gallagher was located in the driver’s seat, and police noted a “strong smell of intoxicating liquor”, the court heard.

She failed a breath test, and was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a vehicle while being over the legal alcohol limit. 

Representing Gallagher was barrister Stefan Rafferty, who pointed out that the case had been held up due to "evidential issues", and as a result had been "a long, drawn-out affair".

"She has entered a guilty plea, and is entitled to significant credit for this guilty plea", said Mr. Rafferty.

He said that his client had gone through "difficult hardship in recent times", but was "doing her very best to put her best foot forward".

Continuing, he said: "She comes before the court today with no previous convictions,” adding that Gallagher would be "severely disadvantaged" by the loss of her licence.

Sentencing Gallagher, District Judge Alana McSorley said: "There are a number of evidential difficulties for prosecution in this matter.

"I give you credit for your guilty plea when the prosecution could prove a case against you."

Describing Gallagher as “a person of good character”, Judge McSorley imposed 10 penalty points, a £350 fine and £15 offender levy.