Driver of car found on its roof banned for 12 months

The driver, Sean McKenna, from William Street, Bellaghy, was fined £250 and banned from the roads for 12 months for driving with excess alcohol.

The 25-year-old was fined a further £400 with a £15 offender levy for having no insurance, driving unaccompanied and failing to display ‘L’ plates.

The court heard police were called to a single vehicle accident and on arrival at approximately 10.40pm the defendant identified himself.

Prosecuting counsel said police noticed he was unsteady on his feet and that there was a smell of intoxicating liquor.

She said McKenna provided a preliminary breath test which showed an alcoholic count of 71mgs.

He was arrested and taken to Dungannon custody suite where he provided a second reading of 44mgs in breath.

The lawyer said further checks showed he had no insurance, and was driving on a provisional licence with no plates displayed.

Admitting the offence Stephen Atherton, solicitor, asked the court to give the defendant credit for his candid admissions to the charges.

Mr Atherton said thankfully there were no other vehicles involved and no one had been injured.

He added that he was a young man who lived alone and had got a car in order to get out more.

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