Drug-addled man stole car from outside shop in Toome
A drug-addled Toome man stole a car from outside a shop in the village but it was able to be tracked as the owner had left his mobile phone in it.
Stephen McAleese (35), of McCorley Road, took the car on May 9 and it was later recovered in Ballymena.
He pleaded guilty to taking a Ford Fiesta without authority; driving whilst unfit; and insurance and driving licence charges.
A prosecutor told Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, a man parked a car and had gone into a shop in Toome. The defendant was outside and he drove off in the car.
Police found him at McDonald's in Ballymena. He was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words and "in and out of consciousness".
He was taken to hospital due to his level of intoxication. A defence barrister said the defendant had taken a "large quantity" of drugs.
The defendant, who had a record, received a six-month jail term, three-year driving ban and £200 fine.