A Portadown man who drove whilst over the drink-drive limit following a row with his partner has been banned from the roads for 12 months.
The 41-year-old’s solicitor told court the defendant had been dealing with problems in his personal life, and with his health, and had been consuming alcohol at the time of the incident.
Kyle William Pentland, of Queens Walk, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday.
It was heard that on July 7, police received a report that the defendant hand got into his vehicle on James Street in Portadown following a domestic argument and drove off whilst under the influence, colliding with a parked car in the process.
Officers attended Pentland’s home address to find the Hyundai parked in the drive way of the property.
They conducted a preliminary breath test on the defendant which resulted in a fail.
He was subsequently arrested and taken to Banbridge Custody Suite where a reading of 92mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained.
Defence barrister David McKeown stated: “He had been at his partner’s house; he had a lot going on his his personal life, including problems with his health and he was dealing with this by consuming alcohol.
“He had a row with his partner; he went outside, it was a short walk home, but he had his car keys in his pocket and decided to drive.
“Given his lack of record I would ask that your worship consider deeming him suitable for the course.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “Given that reading, going by the guidelines, he would be starting above the minimum disqualification so I will not be considering that.”
Pentland was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 10 weeks.
