Courts / Westmeath / Report

Mother drove drunk with her three children in the car

Date
2013-12-03
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Ballynacargy
County
Westmeath

Summary

An unemployed hairdresser, Aine Penrose, aged 29, was found guilty of drink driving at Swords District Court on 4 June. She drove her car with her three children—aged seven, nine and one—while under the influence of alcohol. Penrose claimed she was terrified of her ex‑partner, who is the father of one of her children, and had no phone credit to call a taxi. She said she had gone to the beach with her children and the ex‑partner, had a few drinks, and when returning to his house, her son was bullied by his brother, leading to an argument. Garda Jonathan Kirk observed her swerving and failing to signal at a roundabout; her breath test showed 58 mg/100 ml. The judge found her guilty, disqualified her from driving for two years effective February, and fined her €250.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mother drove drunk with her three children in the car. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: Defence barrister Ms Lisa Daly said the reason Penrose drove was because 'she felt she had no choice, she had no phone credit to ring a taxi and did not know the area she was in. Defence account reported by CNI

Places mentioned

Court Venue
Journey Or Route
Residence

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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