An Armagh man “prevailed upon” by intoxicated friends to drive them home after being unable to get a taxi has been banned for drink driving.
Martins Gelsons, of Lisanally Lane, appeared before Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with driving with excess alcohol on the morning of July 30.
The 21-year-old was stopped by police coming into Keady along the Armagh Road at approximately 2.30am.
Police had been parked at the Centra store when they observed a BMW speed past.
They followed and signalled for the driver to stop using emergency warning equipment.
The prosecution told the court that police could smell alcohol and asked the defendant if he had been drinking, which he denied.
Police asked the defendant to provide a sample of breath, at which point he stated he had consumed one beer. He subsequently failed the preliminary breath test.
He was taken to Dungannon police station where he registered a lower reading of 48mgs.
Defence solicitor, Jarlath Fields, explained that “there were a lot of celebrations in Armagh that particular evening”.
“He had taken some drinks in his own home and a number of his work colleagues had arrived back highly intoxicated.
“He had tried to get a taxi, but given the situation in Armagh that particular evening, no taxi could be had. He was then prevailed upon by his friends to drive them from Armagh to Keady.”
Mr Fields, who offered up work references, added: “He’s not quite satisfied that his speed was that much above the limit but he now accepts the police had cause to stop him, and in fact, he was over the [drink-driving] limit.
“It’s not the highest reading and I’d ask your worship to take that into account.
“He’s obviously someone who’s got quite a lot to contribute to the community and to his workplace, and the loss of his licence will potentially have a negative impact, although it is to be hoped that his job placement will be open for him even after today.”
District Judge Laura Ievers, addressing the defendant, said: “Everything that could be said has been done so very ably on your behalf.
“You’re acknowledging responsibility at an early stage for what is a serious offence, and I know you understand that. It’s a blot on your record now. Up until this point in time, you haven’t come to any adverse attention.
“I bear in mind the fact that you’re accepting responsibility and you’ve no previous convictions, and I bear in mind the level of the reading. What I bear very much in mind is a positive work record and reference that has been provided for you and I appreciate that any disqualification is going to have an impact on you and your career.”
Gelsons was disqualified for 12 months but certified for the drink-driving course which, upon completion, would reduce the period off the roads – until tested – by three months.
He was also fined £200 along with a £15 offenders’ levy.
