Went to garage after few beers

But a member of the public reported him to police who saw him driving in an erratic manner in the town.

Ales Tlcik, whose address was given as Tandragee Road, Portadown, was fined £150 last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court for driving while unfit on February 21 this year.

He was also banned for 12 months and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

For failing to provide a breath sample he was fined £90.

The court heard that police received a report from a member of the public about a driver under the influence of drink at the Bridge Street filling station.

They saw his driving down Bridge Street and crossing the white line and hitting the pavement before stopping.

He was in the driver’s seat and the keys were in the ignition with the engine running. He refused to provide a breath sample or give his name and address.

Tlcik was placed in the rear of the police vehicle and again he refused to give his details or a sample.

At Lurgan police station he did give his details and an evidential breath test gave a reading of 73.

He admitted driving the vehicle after having a few beers at his friend’s house beforehand.

The defendant claimed that he had drunk a cup of Sambucca while sitting in the car but no cup or Sambucca were found in the vehicle.

Mr Gabriel Ingram, representing the defendant, said Tlcik had been at a friend’s house and had some beer.

He wanted cigarettes and stupidly drove to the local garage. He made a bad decision which he regrets, added Mr Ingram.