Drink driver was three times over the limit when he crashed his car onto its roof in Hillsborough, Lisburn court hears
A Ballynahinch man has been banned from the roads for 20 months after being found driving with over three times the legal limit of alcohol in his blood.
Richard Crawford, 50, whose address was given as Kinedale Cottages in Ballynahinch, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with driving with excess alcohol in his blood.
The court heard that on December 19, 2025 at 2.10pm, police responded to an emergency report from the Ambulance Service that a vehicle had rolled onto its roof on the Lougherne Road in Hillsborough.
On arrival, officers found a Renault Arkana on its roof and noted it had sustained severe damage.
A single male, identified as the defendant, had to be extracted from the vehicle.
Officers noted the smell of alcohol and observed a vodka bottle in the front of the vehicle.
The defendant was taken to hospital for treatment.
A blood sample gave a reading of 241mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, the legal limit being 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
A defence lawyer told the court the defendant manages a motorhome business.
He continued: “He went off alcohol three years ago, attended AA meetings and had a sponsor.
"His sponsor committed suicide and he started drinking again and that is ultimately what led to this incident.
"He had been drinking the night before. He went to work and his superior realised he wasn’t in a fit state and sent him home.
"He drank more alcohol and that’s when the accident happened.
"It was a terrible accident. He woke up in the back of an ambulance and has no recollection of what happened.
"He has been incredibly foolish.
"He has successfully re-engaged with the addiction team and is dealing with his issues again.”
During sentencing, District Judge Rosie Watters said: “It is very important that nothing like this ever happens again.
"I like to know that people are dealing with their issues.”
Ms Watters disqualified the defendant from driving for 20 months, which will be reduced to 15 months on the completion of a drink driving course.
She also imposed a fine of £300, as well as an offender’s levy of £15.