'˜An insult to other drivers and the dead': Drunk Dungannon motorist drove to buy cider

Krzysztof Alfut, 36, from Dunlea Vale, appeared at Dungannon Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to drink driving after police received a report of a motorist driving whilst unfit on the Gortmerrion Link Road of the town.

Police located the defendant’s vehicle at his property, and noted that the engine and tyres were still warm.

Inside the property, they found Alfut drunk with a breathalyser reading of 120mcg.

CCTV footage obtained from the nearby Spar shop showed Aflut buying bottles of cider and then driving off in his car.

District Judge John Meehan branded Alfut’s behaviour ‘self-indulgent’ and an insult to other drivers and the dead, in wanting more alcohol while drunk and driving to purchase it.

His defence solicitor acknowledged the aggravating features of the offence but said the defendant had made an early plea of guilty.

Since the defendant had no previous criminal record, Judge Meehan said he would deal with the offence with a community service order.

He handed Alfut 100 hours of community service and warned him that he would have to agree to do these hours as decided by his probation officer.

Meehan also banned the defendant from driving for a total of eighteen months.