Police noticed a vehicle with a front tyre blow-out parked on the hard shoulder in the Dunsilly area of the M22 on February 25 and then detected a smell of intoxicating liquor from a motorist.

John Thompson (46), of Sea Road, Castlerock, has pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in breath; driving whilst disqualified; and absence of insurance.

Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, heard it was his third conviction for drink driving and he had previously received a three-year ban in November 2024.

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The case was heard at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena. Image: Pacemaker

placeholder image — The case was heard at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena. Image: Pacemaker

In the case before the court on Tuesday it was said the defendant had an alcohol in breath reading of 49 - the legal limit is 35 - on February 25.

The court heard the defendant said he had been driving home from work as a welder when detected. His barrister said he "took a chance".

Handing down a four-month prison term, suspended for three years, and five-year driving ban, District Judge Nigel Broderick said Thompson had an "appalling" record.