A man breached his bail just days following his release after being caught under the influence of alcohol while enjoying the sunshine on Oxford Island.
The district judge warned the 30-year-old: “I don’t care how good the weather is. If you are caught under the influence again you will be spending a few months in Maghaberry.”
Jamie Donnel Geddis, of Antrim Road, Belfast, appeared charged with a breach of bail at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday, via videolink from custody.
A constable outlined that at 2pm on June 1, police had been tasked to an unrelated matter at Oxford Island in Lurgan.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers spoke to the defendant, who appeared under the influence of alcohol and in breach of his bail.
A preliminary breath test was carried out giving a reading of 70mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath and he was subsequently arrested.
Court heard the bail related to an alleged offence of disorderly behaviour at Brownlow Terrace, Lurgan, just some three days earlier on May 29.
He had been released on police bail and was due to make his first appearance for this charge on June 24.
Geddis confirmed he understood the charge and was connected by a constable.
District Judge Nigel Broderick commented that the defendant had a “poor record”.
Defence solicitor Chris McCann stated: “Mr Geddis is staying in Belfast but he has family in that area. With the good weather he had a few drinks.
“This is a man who has issues with alcohol; he has made contact with community addictions but they have been unable to arrange a meeting due to the current pandemic.”
District Judge Broderick, addressing the defendant, said: “I hope you understand that the next time this happens you may not get out of jail.
“I don’t care how good the weather is. If you are caught under the influence again you will be spending a few months in Maghaberry.”
Geddis was released on his own bail of £500, with the same conditions, which include a prohibition on alcohol.
The case was adjourned until June 24 at Newry Magistrates’ Court.
