A Craigavon man who was found parked over a junction asleep has been given a three-year disqualification.
Court heard the 36-year-old, who has struggled with drug addiction from a young age, was found to be unfit by police who arrived at the scene.
Kevin Patrick McIntyre, of Deans Grange, pleaded guilty to driving whilst unfit, using a vehicle without insurance, being an unaccompanied ‘L’ driver and not displaying ‘L’ plates at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on August 30, at around 8.30pm, police spotted a Seat Ibiza abandoned with the ignition on across a junction on the Moyraverty Road West, Craigavon.
As officers approached they noted a male in the driver seat of the car who appeared to be sleeping.
Police knocked on the door of the vehicle and as the defendant attempted to get out the car began to move.
He had to be advised by the officers to apply his handbrake.
It was noted that McIntyre was confused. He asked police what time it was and where he was.
Another road user had observed the same car swerving over the Bleary Road earlier that day.
The defendant submitted to a preliminary breath test which resulted in a fail.
Defence counsel stated: “This was drugs, not alcohol. Mr McIntyre has had a problem from a very young age.
“This offence occurred whilst he was a mechanic and he had taken the Seat out to test drive as he had done work on it.”
He added: “Mr McIntyre had not ingested drugs that day but had the previous day and it must have still been in his system.
“He feels remorse and has been trying to get his life back on track.”
Court heard that the defendant had been engaging with community addictions since July of last year and had been clean since November.
Court also heard that this was McIntyre’s second driving whilst unfit conviction.
The defendant was handed a three year disqualification and was ordered to pay a fine of £700, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
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