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Drunk cyclist spotted on wrong side of road and swerving all over

Defence described it as a 'somwhat unusual charge'

A man who was caught cycling on the wrong side of the road whilst intoxicated has been handed a £200 fine.

The 32-year-old’s barrister commented that this was “a somewhat unusual charge” and that the defendant had cycled home after being out drinking.

Saulius Pirtinas, of Corcrain Drive, Portadown  pleaded guilty to cycling whilst unfit through drink at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Court heard the defendant was spotted by police cycling the wrong way down the Loughgall Road, Portadown, on August 12, at around 12.55am.

Officers observed as Pirtinas swerved all over the road.

When stopped, it was noted that the defendant smelled strongly of intoxicating liquor.

Pirtinas’ pupils were fixed and dilated.

A preliminary breath test resulted in a fail.

Defence barrister David McKeown stated: “This is a somewhat unusual charge, it is what it is really.

“He had been out drinking but instead of driving home he cycled.”

Pirtinas was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 10 weeks.

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