A South Derry motorist caught driving while disqualified has been placed on probation for a year and ordered to carry out 60 hours of community service.

Prosecuting counsel told Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday that the offence came to light when police stopped a Transit van on the Moneymore Road, Magherafelt, on February 24.

Thirty-five-year-old Mark Murray, of Drumderg Cottages, Draperstown, was also fined £200 with a £15 offender's levy for having a child under 12 years in the rear of the vehicle without a proper restraint on the same date.

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Bishop Street Courthouse where Magherafelt Magistrates Court is held | Google

placeholder image — Bishop Street Courthouse where Magherafelt Magistrates Court is held | Google

Disqualifying him from driving for 12 months, District Judge Conor Heaney told the defendant that it was “bad enough” that he took a risk to drive while disqualified, but had also driven with a young child in the vehicle without a proper restraint.

A defence solicitor explained a fellow worker had been off and Murray had taken a chance to drive.

He added that the defendant wanted to back on the road again legally.