A man who assaulted a police officer and refused to provide a sample of breath for analysis has been put off the road for 15 months.
District Judge Bernie Kelly warned the 39-year-old: “You can’t drink and you know that. Goodness knows what could happen.”
Dermot Perry, of Torrent Close in Coalisland, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath and was convicted of assaulting a police officer at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry.
None of the facts in the case were heard, but the particulars outline that the offence took place on September 13, of 2020, at Garrison Place, Moy.
Defence barrister Conor Coulter commented that the judge would have a concern given that his client had a “considerable record” but submitted that there had been a dwindling of offences in recent years.
However, District Judge Bernie Kelly expressed concern that Perry’s offending appeared to be “ramping up” with the most recent entry on his record also occurring in 2020.
Mr Coulter submitted that the defendant self reported to be “doing well”, abstaining from alcohol and residing in Coalisland out of the Lurgan area and away from negative influences.
District Judge Kelly warned Perry: “You can’t drink and you know that. Goodness knows what could happen.”
The defendant was disqualified from driving for 15 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
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