A Lurgan man who was spotted doing doughnuts on a junction on the A1 has been disqualified from driving for two years and been handed a suspended prison sentence.
The judge told the 25-year-old, who had previously been disqualified for similar offences: “This was an incredibly stupid and dangerous piece of driving, it was an entirely deliberate act on the A1 slip road.”
Thomas Eric Murray, of Banbridge Road, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
It was previously heard that on April 22, at 12.20am, police on patrol of the A1 spotted a Lexus doing a doughnut at the junction of Lurgan Road.
Officers pulled over the vehicle and spoke to the driver, who identified himself as the defendant.
Murray admitted to performing the manoeuvre and when asked if he was in control of the vehicle he replied: “I suppose not.”
Defence barrister John McCann stated: “On the date in question he had been out at Portrush, on the way back he decided to do this stupid manoeuvre.
“He did this as a joke, he accepts this was stupid and dangerous, making full admissions at the scene.”
“He does have a relevant record, although nothing for driving since 2014 and his last dangerous driving was in 2013.
“He has been driving since 2012, and had subsequently sold the car; he is filled with regret and remorse.”
District Judge Peter Magill said: “Mr Murray, this was an incredibly stupid and dangerous piece of driving, it was an entirely deliberate act on the A1 slip road.
“You also have prior for this having been handed a disqualification in 2013 for dangerous driving, it is your plea of guilty which is the only thing stopping you going to prison.”
Murray was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for two years.
In addition, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
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