Drink driver banned for 12 month period

David Kenny, New Forge Park, Magheralin, was also fined £200 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

If he completes a drink driving course the ban would be reduced to nine months.

The court heard that on June 18 this year police received a report of an intoxicated man getting into a car and driving at Newforge Road in Magheralin.

They went to the address of the last registered owner of the vehicle and the car was in the driveway.

Police spoke to the defendant who was under the influence of alcohol. A preliminary breath test gave a reading of 71 and later and an evidential test gave a reading of 68.

A barrister representing the defendant said that before this offence his client had an unblemished driving record.

He added that Kenny was employed as a chef and worked at a number of restaurants.

The barrister said his client had taken drink the night before and had only driven a short distance to a nearby shop to purchase alcohol.

He added that Kenny was a law abiding citizen with a strong work ethic and tragic family circumstances had caused him to over imbibe at this time.

Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers said references handed in to the court were glowing and this offence was totally out of character.

She added that while there were tragic circumstances they did not excuse this offence.