A Newry man who was caught over the limit whilst in charge of a vehicle has been spared his licence.
The 29-year-old’s barrister told court: “It was St Patrick’s Day. He had gone to have some drinks with friends at this spot and maintains he had no intention of driving.”
Simon Lennon, of Drumcashel Villas, had a plea of guilty entered on his behalf to being in charge with excess alcohol at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that on March 17, police had reason to speak with the defendant, who was in the driver’s seat of a parked Vauxhall Corsa at Bernish Viewpoint.
There were signs of alcohol consumption in the vehicle and Lennon was believed to be under the influence, displaying glazed eyes and slurred speech.
A preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail, with an evidential sample obtained in custody giving a reading of 67mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
Defence barrister Stephen Campbell stated: “This is a man with no previous record. You will note the date. It was St Patrick’s Day. He had gone to have some drinks with friends at this spot and maintains he had no intention of driving.”
Lennon was handed 10 penalty points and was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
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