A Warrenpoint man who collided with another vehicle whilst driving at three times the legal limit has been handed a 12 month ban.
The 28-year-old’ solicitor told court: “He does suffer from alcoholism, but he is seeking help for this. He was going through a particularly difficult time especially over the lockdown period.”
Anthony Meehan, of Newry Street, had pleas of guilty entered on his behalf to driving with excess alcohol, failing to remain, failing to report and using a vehicle without insurance at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that on October 19, police received a report from CCTV operators of a vehicle collision in the vicinity of Queen Street in Warrenpoint.
Officers arrived to find two males, who were unsteady on their feet, attempting to jack up a car.
They spoke to this defendant, who identified himself as the driver. Having observed that he smelled of intoxicating liquor and his speech was slurred a preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail.
CCTV had showed that this car had collided with a stationary vehicle about 200 metres away. Meehan was subsequently charged with failing to remain and report an accident.
Whilst in custody, an evidential sample of breath was obtained which gave a reading of 105mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – three times the legal limit.
Defence solicitor John Rocks stated: “He was fully compliant with police. This is the first time he has ever been before the court and in fact the first time he was ever arrested.
“He does suffer from alcoholism, but he is seeking help for this. He was going through a particularly difficult time especially over the lockdown period.”
He added: “He was recently admitted to hospital in Craigavon over concerns that his liver has become inflamed. He has since been engaging with his doctor and has been offered a place in Cuan Mhuire.”
District Judge Eamonn King disqualified Meehan from driving for 12 months and ordered that he pay a fine of £550, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced to one of nine months upon completion.
