Argument leads to driving ban

Michael Moonan (20), of Enniskeen, Craigavon, pleaded guilty to the charge of driving unfit through drink.

The court was told that the defendant was stopped by police at 5.10am on August 8 in Enniskeen.

Police saw his car swerving about on the Portadown Road in Lurgan and followed the vehicle, using flashing lights to stop it.

A prosecution lawyer said that when police spoke to the defendant they noticed that his eyes were glazed, his speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet. A breath test gave a reading of 69mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

A defence solicitor said that Moonan, who lives at home with his parents, had had an argument with his girlfriend and she had left the house.

District Judge Alan White sentenced Moonan to 13 months’ driving disqualification, which will be reduced by three months if he completes the drink driving course, and imposed a 225 fine. The defendant will also have to resit his driving test.