Limavady woman contacted police and told them she was driving while under influence of alcohol

A County Derry woman, who contacted police and told them that she was driving while under the influence of alcohol, has appeared before a local court.

Wendy Risby, of Greystone Road in Limavady, came before the town's magistrates' court, sitting in Coleraine, this morning (Wednesday).

The 53 year-old was charged with two counts of failing to provide a specimen of breath when required to do so.

The court heard that the charges related to an incident which happened on February 18.

Police received a call at 7am from Risby who stated that she was driving her car with the intention of killing herself.

During the call, the defendant also claimed that she had been drink driving.

Police were able to track Risby's live location to Ballyquin Road, Dungiven and when they attended they discovered her car stopped at the roadside with its hazard lights on.

The court heard that no-one was present with the car.

Police contacted Risby on her mobile phone and she told them that she had driven the car as she was concerned about her dog.

When Risby was located a short time later, she was asked to take a preliminary breath test however she refused.

She was taken into custody and once again was asked to provide a sample of breath however she failed to do so, the court heard.

During interview, Risby admitted failing to provide breath samples but stated that she did not know it was an offence.

A solicitor told the court that the mother-of-three instructs that she had consumed alcohol the previous night and 'had dark thoughts' about ending her life but had 'stopped herself from doing so'.

During sentencing, District Judge Peter King said to Risby: “You have your demons to deal with and the court isn't going to be able to answer those.”

Risby was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £250.