A man who failed to stop for police whilst over twice the drink drive limit has been handed an 18 month ban.
Court heard the 39-year-old had one previous similar conviction some 19 years ago, with the district judge commenting: “It would appear that deposition has not gone away.”
Enda Treanor, of Davagh in Emyvale, Co Monaghan, had pleas of guilty entered to driving with excess alcohol and failing to stop for police at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on August 10, at 1.30am, police were on patrol on the Madden Road in Keady when they observed a Ford Fiesta.
Officers signalled for the car to stop but it did not, continuing for half a mile before being brought to a halt with the deployment of a stinger.
The driver was spoken to and identified as the defendant. Believing him to be under the influence, a preliminary breath test was carried out resulting in a fail.
Whilst in custody, an evidential sample of breath was obtained which gave a reading of 97mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – over twice the legal limit.
Defence solicitor Kevin McCamley told court that Treanor had at the time recently returned from working in Canada.
He said: “He had gone to Keady to see a tractor he was interested in buying. Whilst he was there he met a few friends and he made the decision to have a drink, which was not the best idea.
“He took the chance driving home and by his own admission when he saw the blue flashing lights he panicked. He only has one previous, which is some 19 years ago, and I would ask he be considered for the course.”
District Judge Paul Copeland stated: “This was a very high reading. It would appear that he was trying to get away from the police. He failed to stop and seemed to be trying to get over the border.
“I can see from his record that he does have a similar entry and it would appear that deposition has not gone away.”
Treanor was disqualified from driving for 18 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £285, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
