Co Tyrone motorist said by the district judge to have a 'disgraceful' record loses licence for 10 years
A Co Tyrone man said by the district judge to have a “disgraceful” record was fined £400 with a £15 offender's levy and banned from driving for 10 years when he appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court.
District Judge Francis Rafferty also imposed a five-month suspended jail sentence, and warned if the defendant appeared before him again he would be jailed.
Barry Robert Watt, aged 54, of Killeeshill Road, Dungannon, was sentenced for failing to provide a specimen of breath while driving unfit on October 12 last.
The court heard police received a report of a suspected drink-driver at Tullyallen Road, Dungannon, and they activated blue lights and sirens, but the vehicle failed to stop and headed towards the border.
Prosecuting counsel said the vehicle was registered to a female who denied driving it, and Watt failed to provide a specimen.
A defence lawyer said the defendant, who has health issues, did not realise he had to comply with the police request.