A Lurgan man who tried to run over a police officer whilst drunk at the wheel has been sentenced to five months in prison.
The 31-year-old said during interview that all he remembered was buying three bottles of Buckfast whilst already intoxicated, his rear window being smashed and waking up in custody.
Kieran George McCavana, 31, of Hill Street pleaded guilty to driving when unfit through drink or drugs, dangerous driving, failing to remain or report an accident, assault on police, disorderly behaviour and failing to provide a specimen of breath.
The defendant appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday via videolink from Maghaberry.
Court heard police received reports of a suspected drunk driver in a Volkswagen Golf in the Lurgan area at around 7am on September 9.
Officers spotted McCavana on Monbrief Walk, standing outside a vehicle similar to that described.
As they approached the defendant got back into the car and tried to turn into the Old Portadown road.
Police followed on foot as McCavana reversed into a parked car and tried to run over an officer.
The rear window was smashed by police but the defendant made off towards Meadowbrook.
Another group of officers followed McCavana in a vehicle and found him in the outhouse of an address nearby.
When approached the defendant was aggressive towards police at whom he spat and shouted.
Court heard CS spray had to be used to arrest McCavana who had to be restrained as he continued to kick out at officers.
The defendant made no reply to caution but the keys to the vehicle were found in his pocket.
McCavana was taken to Lurgan Custody Suite where he refused to give a breath sample for testing.
During interview, the defendant told police all he remembered was buying three bottles of Buckfast whilst already intoxicated, his rear window being smashed and waking up in custody.
Defence barrister David McKeown told court the defendant had a history of alcohol difficulties.
Mr McKeown said the defendant suffered a relapse after getting himself into “considerable debt”.
He said McCavana was “deeply ashamed” and had gained employment pending his release.
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “Given that you have two active suspended sentences my hands are somewhat tied.”
The defendant was sentenced to three months in prison for all counts and had two months added from suspended sentences.
He was also disqualified from driving for five years and had to forfeit his car.
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