District Judge concerned over driver’s high alcohol reading

A man who went to see his son was reported for drink driving by his estranged wife, Craigavon Magistrates Court heard last Wednesday.
Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.
Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.

Paul Patrick Loney (45), Watson Street, Portadown and banned for 16 months for driving with excess alcohol on April 13 at Clendenning Way, Portadown.

The court heard that police had received a report that the defendant had driven to that location and was intoxicated.

Loney said he had consumed alcohol earlier that day. A breath test gave a reading of 133.

Mr Joe McDonald, representing the defendant, said Loney had separated from his wife and she had moved out with her son.

He explained there had been some difficulty getting access to the son. He had been drinking at home and on the spur of the moment decided he wanted to see his son.

Mr McDonald said Loney drove to his wife’s new house and it was his wife who reported him to the police.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said he was concerned about the reading which was so high he could not impose the minimum ban.

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