Moneymore man appeared ‘dazed and confused’ at ATM
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Peter Colm Lagan (62), of Ballygrooby Road, Moneymore, was fined £150 with a £15 offender’s levy for driving while having consumed excess alcohol.
Lagan was also fined £150 for having no insurance.
Prosecuting counsel told Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday (August 10) that on July 16 at approximately 1.50am, a police patrol was travelling in the direction of Magherafelt along Smith Street, Moneymore.
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Hide AdShe said they observed a Mercedes vehicle ahead of them crossing the central white line a number of times and swerving on the road multiple times.
Counsel said as the vehicle turned right into the filling station it almost collided with a traffic island.
The lawyer said the defendant provided an alcohol reading of 78mgs in breath at the scene, and later an evidential specimen showing 67mgs.
Admitting the offences a defence lawyer explained Lagan had been heading to the garage to get food as he had Covid for some time and there was nothing in the house to eat.
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Hide AdHe told the court that the defendant, a retired joiner, thought he had insurance.
The lawyer said the disqualification will have an impact on the defendant who lives in a remote area and will now have to rely on his nephew.
Imposing the penalties, District Judge Oonagh Mullan remarked that “he should not have got into the car”.