A qualified HGV driver who was caught over the limit after colliding with another car has been handed a 12 month disqualification.
The 23-year-old’s solicitor told court: “He had been out drinking at a local bar and had got a lift home, but then he made the stupid decision to get in the car to get food.”
Conor McGeough, of Collingwood Drive in Lurgan, had pleas of guilty entered to driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop and failing to remain at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that at around 1am, on October 17, the injured party heard a loud bang outside his address on Collingwood Avenue in Lurgan.
Upon going to investigate, he found that the rear of his Mercedes A-Class had been damaged, and a neighbour was able to identify this defendant as the culprit.
The injured party spoke to McGeough, who apologised for the incident and stated he would pay off damages.
However, the injured party noted that the defendant had an open container of alcohol in his hand.
McGeough was subsequently arrested and an evidential breath sample obtained in custody gave a reading of 65mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the limit being 35mg.
Defence solicitor Harry McCourt stated that his client was a qualified HGV driver with no record who lives with his parents.
He commented that McGeough’s employer had described him as a “great asset” during a period when there has been a shortage of lorry drivers.
Mr McCourt explained: “He had been out drinking at a local bar and had got a lift home, but then he made the stupid decision to get in the car to get food.”
He added that McGeough, who has been in constant employment since leaving school, would be out of work as a result of these proceedings.
District Judge Bernie Kelly disqualified the defendant from driving for 12 months and ordered him to pay a fine of £500, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
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