A man who claims to have learnt his lesson after being found in charge with excess alcohol has been handed a 12-month disqualification.
The district judge told the 22-year-old: “You have a six-page record that goes back to 2011, you haven’t learnt anything yet.”
Darren Pio Marshall, of Broomhill, Magheralin, pleaded guilty to being in charge with excess alcohol, using a vehicle without insurance and being an unaccompanied ‘L’ driver at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on May 11, at 2.15am, police on patrol of Rushmere shopping centre spotted a Peugeot 207 in the middle of the car park with doors open and four males standing around it.
Officers approached and spoke to the defendant who was standing by the driver’s door of the car.
They noted that he smelled strongly of intoxicating liquor, appeared drowsy and had slurred speech.
The police observed as Marshall removed keys from his trouser pocket.
When asked did they belong to this vehicle the defendant stated they did. Officers tried the keys in the ignition to confirm this.
A preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail and Marshall was subsequently arrested.
In Lurgan Custody Suite, a reading of 61mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained.
Marshall, who represented himself, told court: “It was a stupid move. I have learnt my lesson.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “I doubt that. You have a six-page record that goes back to 2011, you haven’t learnt anything yet.”
The defendant commented that this was his first offence of this type.
District Judge Kelly responded: “For a man who has never held a full licence you have quite a few entries for road traffic offences.”
Marshall was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
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