Drink driver stopped at police checkpoint

Sixty-six-year-old Gerard George Colhoun, from Lisgonneill Walk, Ballygawley, was also fined £300 with a £15 offender levy arising out of the offence.

A prosecuting lawyer said police detected a smell of alcohol while speaking to the defendant at the checkpoint on the Omagh Road at around 5.45pm on February 8 this year.

He added that Colhoun was arrested after providing a preliminary breath specimen with an alcohol reading of 72mgs.

Admitting the offence defence lawyer Blaine Nugent said the disqualification will have a serious impact on the defendant’s ability to continue working.

Mr Nugent said the defendant had separated from his partner of 40 years and he had taken it “very poorly” and accepts he had alcohol taken on this occasion.

He explained the defendant and his former partner had three adult children.

Pleading for leniency, the lawyer asked the court to take into account the circumstances and background and the defendant’s early plea to the charge.

Imposing the penalties, Deputy District Judge Laura Levers said she would certify Colhoun for the drink driving rehabilitation course which, if successfully completed, will entitle him to a reduction in his period of disqualification.

Judge Levers added that she would give the defendant 16 weeks to pay the penalties.

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