An Armagh man who made a “foolish” decision to drive to get a takeaway after consuming vodka has been handed a 14-month disqualification.
The 56-year-old’s solicitor said the ban would have a “significant impact” on the defendant, who is a self-employed window cleaner.
David Kenneth Finlay, of Ardmore Avenue, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Court heard that on April 12, at around 10.35pm, police spotted the defendant driving with speed on the Hamiltonsbawn Road in Armagh.
They observed as Finlay’s vehicle displayed poor lane discipline and lights were activated after he was seen making a right turn.
The defendant did not stop the vehicle initially and was followed to his home address where he was found alone parked in the driveway.
When spoken to by police, Finlay claimed he had not seen them.
Officers noted a smell of alcohol and chose to submit the defendant to a preliminary breath test which resulted in a fail.
At Dungannon Police Station, a reading of 62mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained.
Defence solicitor Oisin Toner stated: “Mr Finlay is a self-employed window cleaner. The loss of his licence is going to have a significant impact.
“On the day in question he instructs he had been drinking vodka, he had been alone in the house and foolishly decided to go to get a Chinese.”
Finlay was disqualified from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 26 weeks.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see his disqualification reduced by one quarter if completed.
