A man who was found to be over three times the legal drink drive limit after a near miss with a traffic island has been handed an 18 month disqualification.
Sentencing the 48-year-old, the deputy district judge said: “This is a very high reading. He may suffer from depression but that pales in significance to the depression the relatives of those he could have killed would feel.”
David McConville, of River Oaks in Crumlin, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on April 3, police received a report from a member of the public who observed a black Audi narrowly missing a traffic island in Moira.
The driver was suspected of being under the influence, due to the manner of his driving, and was heading in the direction of Lurgan.
Officers stopped the vehicle on the Cottage Road, Dollingstown, with the driver being identified as this defendant.
McConville was believed to be under the influence as he had glazed eyes and stumbled as he got out of the vehicle.
A preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail, with an evidential sample obtained in custody giving a reading of 112mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – over three times the legal limit.
Defence solicitor John McAtamney stated that his client came before the court with 30 years driving experience having accrued no penalty points or road traffic convictions during that time.
He said: “This is a man who has suffered from depression for some 25 years, for which he is medicated. He admits that he did not cope particularly well during 2020.
“This led him to turn to alcohol. He is ashamed of his actions on that day.”
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes stated: “This is a very high reading. He may suffer from depression but that pales in significance to the depression the relatives of those he could have killed would feel.”
McConville was disqualified from driving for 18 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £350, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced to one of nine months upon completion.
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