A man who was found to be over the limit after driving the wrong way across a bridge in Newry city centre has been handed a 12 month ban.
The 58-year-old’s legal representative stated that this was a “moment of madness” and the loss of licence would have an impact on his employment as a financial adviser.
Michael Keville, of Parkmore is Sligo, had a plea of guilty entered on his behalf to driving with excess alcohol at Newry Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on August 22 at 3.15am, police on patrol of Newry observed a Mercedes drive the wrong way across a bridge before turning right onto the Mall.
The driver was identified as the defendant, and as officers spoke to him it was noted that his speech was slurred, he was unsteady on his feet and he smelled of intoxicating liquor.
A preliminary breath test conducted at the roadside resulted in a fail, with an evidential sample obtained in custody giving a reading of 51mgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath.
Defence counsel stated that his client apologised for what was a “moment of madness”.
He added that the loss of licence would have a profound impact on Keville’s employment as a financial adviser.
District Judge Eamon King disqualified the defendant from driving for a period of 12 months and ordered that he pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
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