Knockloughrim farmer to appeal six-month driving ban

Thomas Johnston Rainey (54), of Quarry Road, Knockloughrim, was also fined a total of £215. Bail of £50 was fixed for appeal purposes.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court that at 3pm on December 7 last year, police stopped the defendant in a vehicle at Tirkane Road, Maghera, and asked for his driving documents.

He said it transpired the defendant’s insurance policy had lapsed and he told police that if he had known this he would not have been driving.

Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton said the loss of his licence would have “quite severe consequences” for the defendant, who required it to carry out work on the farm.

The judge said defendant was disqualified on the tote up.