An Armagh man who pulled out in front of police whilst driving under the influence of cannabis has been handed a 12 month disqualification.
Court heard that the 22-year-old was observed to have slurred speech, dilated pupils and he did not maintain eye contact with officers when stopped.
Adam Walsh-Oates, of Tullymore Downs, pleaded guilty to a single count of driving whilst unfit at the city’s Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry.
Prosecution outlined that on August 17, at 11.10pm, police on patrol of Mall West observed an Audi pull out in front of them without indicating or checking for oncoming traffic.
Officers spoke to the driver, who was identified as this defendant, and it was noted that a smell of cannabis was emanating from the vehicle.
Walsh-Oates was observed to have slurred speech, dilated pupils and he did not maintain eye contact with officers.
A sample of the defendant’s blood was obtained which when forensically tested showed the presence of THC in his system.
Defence barrister Turlough Madden conceded that his client had previous convictions for road traffic offences but asked that Walsh-Oates was given credit for his plea at the first opportunity.
District Judge Bernie Kelly disqualified the defendant from driving for 12 months and ordered that he pay a fine of £300, along with the the offender’s levy of £15.
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