A Clare General Election candidate has told a court she was in fear of her life in an incident that led to her arrest for alleged dangerous driving.
East Clarewoman Niamh O'Brien has appeared before Ennis District Court in relation to a charge of dangerous dricing, and refusing to give a blood or urine specimen to a Garda designated doctor.
She faces a mandatory four year driving ban if convicted.
34 year old Niamh O'Brien of Lake Isle, O'Callaghan's Mills is facing charges arising out of an incident which occured on May 28th last at Cutteen Cross, Cutteen, Tulla.
Representing herself, she told the court that she was "stopped by the side of the road" by a man, who she described as extremely aggressive.
She said there was nothing to let her know that he was a Garda, and she was "in fear of her life" and "had to drive away".
Judge Patrick Durcan interrupted Ms O'Brien to say he was dealing with the case on a procedural basis, and that he would not listen to a "speech" from her.
He said she was facing "serious legal charges" and advised her to get a solicitor.
In reply, Ms. O'Brien said she stood in truth, and she believed this would triumph.
The case is due back before Killaloe District Court in September.
Niamh O'Brien ran for Fís Nua in Clare in February's General Election, in which she received over 1,200 first preference votes.
