A motorist who was caught swerving between lanes and narrowly missing other vehicles along the M1 was driving with cocaine in his system, a court has heard.
Aodhan Flynn, of Stanhope Street, Belfast, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with dangerous driving, using a vehicle in a dangerous condition, and driving when unfit through drink or drugs.
The 26-year-old was travelling along the motorway towards Moira just before 1 pm on Thursday, 1 December 2022, when a member of the public phoned the police due to his driving.
The member of the public told police the motorist was driving erratically, swerving between lanes and moving vehicles.
About 20 minutes later, police observed and stopped the car on the M12 slipway in Portadown, and the sole occupant of the vehicle identified himself as the defendant.
Flynn appeared to be drowsy and unsteady on his feet, and a preliminary impairment test was conducted, which he failed.
Police made observations regarding the vehicle, noting that it had a broken wing mirror, a cracked windscreen, and a number of defective tyres. The vehicle was seized, and a more thorough examination was conducted, which revealed a significant number of defects, meaning it was in a dangerous condition.
Police obtained a copy of dashcam footage from the reporting person’s car, which showed the vehicle driving along the M1. The footage confirmed the account that it was swerving between lanes and narrowly missed a number of vehicles.
At 2 pm, Flynn was arrested for a number of offences.
A sample of blood was taken and analysed, which revealed that his blood contained cocaine.
Deputy District Judge Rosie Watters, remarking on Flynn’s record, said: “He has a great selection of different types of offending, as well as other driving offences, but… I actually can’t see any driving while unfit or excess alcohol – anything of that nature.”
Flynn was disqualified from driving for 18 months and handed a £250 fine for each of the other offences.
