A Craigavon pensioner with no record has been disqualified from driving for 12 months after having two pints.
The district judge told the 84-year-old: “It is a shame to see a man with your otherwise sterling record before the court.”
Oliver Laffin, of Seagoe Park, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in blood at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on April 12, police observed a male unsteady on his feet enter the Foundry Street car park in Portadown.
He was seen later driving out of the car park and was stopped.
Officers spoke to the male, who identified himself as the defendant, and noted a strong smell of intoxicating liquor.
A preliminary breath test was subsequently carried out resulting in a fail.
Laffin was arrested and taken into custody where a reading of 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained.
The defendant then elected to have blood taken which when analysed showed a reading of 112mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.
Defence barrister Ciara Ennis stated: “This man comes before the court with no record. He lives with his partner and receives a pension having worked all his life.
“He had been working on his garden before going out shopping. He had two pints and then he was detected on his way home.”
District Judge Peter Magill said: “Mr Laffin, it is a shame to see a man with your otherwise sterling record before the court.
“This court has seen much worse readings but I am compelled to give you the minimum punishment.”
Laffin was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £100, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which could see his ban reduced to one of nine months if completed.
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