Driver with bloodshot eyes loses his licence

Martin Cukalovsky (20), of Eskragh Terrace, Dungannon, was also fined £250 with a £15 offender levy for driving with excess alcohol in the vicinity of Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, on November 9 last.

Imposing the penalties, District Judge Michael Ranaghan said it was a “very, very high reading and poor driving which posed a danger to others”.

Dungannon Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday that police were on mobile patrol at approximately 1.55am when they observed a vehicle slowing down and swerving on the road.

Prosecuting counsel said it swerved across the central white line on a number of occasions.

On stopping the vehicle and speaking to Cukalovsky, police observed that his eyes were bloodshot, said counsel.

The defendant failed a preliminary breath test and was arrested and taken to Lurgan custody suite where he provided a specimen of breath, which showed an alcohol reading of 93mgs.

A defence lawyer said the defendant is a father-of-two who recently was made unemployed. He asked the court to give him credit for entering a guilty plea, and not impose a custodial sentence.

The lawyer said Cukalovsky has been disqualified for a similar matter and completed a two-year disqualification.

The judge warned the defendant he would face a custodial sentence if he re-offended.

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