A Lurgan pensioner who drove on the footpath to park near his home has been disqualified for two years for dangerous driving.
The 81-year-old’s solicitor stated that this was a “busy road” and his client, who is waiting for a knee operation, was attempting to park near his house.
Michael Henderson, of Lough Road, pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on November 25, police received a report from a member of the public in relation to the nature of a person’s driving in the Lough Road area of Lurgan.
They stated that on both September 14 and November 22, they witnessed a car driving along the footpath against the flow of traffic whilst pedestrians were present.
Officers observed the vehicle in question parked and on December 8 attended the home of the last registered owner, the defendant.
Henderson admitted that he committed the offence.
Defence counsel commented this was “completely out of character” for his client who had no previous convictions.
He stated that this was a “busy road” and Henderson, who is waiting for a knee operation, was attempting to park near his home.
Deputy District Judge Greg McCourt disqualified the defendant from driving for a period of two years and ordered him to pay a fine of £650, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 18 weeks.
