A man who claimed to have had one beer before driving has been disqualified for 12 months.
The 45-year-old’s legal representative told court: “He had been out with a friend drinking. He regrets what he did and admits it was a stupid decision.”
Anatoliy Vlah, of Glenwood Park, Lurgan pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on July 1, at 10.15pm, police spotted a Toyota Rav 4 on the Portadown Road, Lurgan, travelling at speed.
Officers signalled for the vehicle to stop but had to draw level with the defendant to get his attention.
Vlah told the police with slurred speech that he had only consumed one beer.
A preliminary breath test was carried out resulting in a fail and the defendant was subsequently arrested.
Whilst at Lurgan Custody Suite, a reading of 54mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained.
Defence counsel stated: “This is a man with no previous. It was a plea at the earliest opportunity.
“He had been out with a friend drinking. He regrets what he did and admits it was a stupid decision.”
He added: “This will hit him hard in the pocket. His work is in a rural area and public transport to it will be difficult.”
Vlah was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within eight weeks.
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