Donegal woman highlights the dangers of drink spiking: ‘I had no control’

A Donegal woman who was hospitalised having been the victim of drink spiking, has warned of its dangers - saying it can “nearly kill” someone.

Kelly McGrath from Pettigo was on a night out with her friends when her drink was spiked at a pub in south Donegal. 

The incident happened about a year ago and Kelly decided to share her story to raise awareness of the symptoms, highlighting the quick onset of the effects. 

Kelly, who was 21 at the time, describes feeling extremely sick, losing the ability to walk and talk, frothing at the mouth, staring into a blank space and feeling weak before she began to seize up.

She consequently became ill and was hospitalised for five days - she is still undergoing tests over a year later. 

According to Kelly, symptoms developed very quickly, as, after two drinks within 40 minutes: “I had no control over anything.

“So yes, drink spiking can literally nearly kill a person and have long-term effects. I can vouch for that. They aren’t just drunk!  Respect the person, don’t speak as if they’re dead.

“I still remember most of the conversation nurses and doctors had that night. If you have any hope of justice, your best bet is to bring your spiked drink with you for testing, although this is virtually impossible when you can’t think or move.”