Lisburn drink driver whose vehicle was spotted swerving over the road, had consumed 'four pints', court hears

Lisburn Magistrates Court was told that on May 10, 2026, police observed a vehicle on Queensway between Lisburn and Dunmurry and noted it was swerving over the road.

The vehicle was stopped. Officers spoke with the driver, and after noticing the smell of alcohol asked him to get out of the vehicle.

It was stated that the defendant, Daniel Laverty, aged 25, whose address was given as Tirowen Drive in Lisburn, was unbalanced on his feet, and that his eyes were bloodshot and speech slurred.

He failed to give a breath sample at the roadside and was subsequently taken into custody.

Whilst in custody he was given six opportunities to provide a sample of breath. However, he failed to do so after sucking rather than blowing into the breathalyser.

A defence lawyer told the court: “He said he had four pints. He panicked and knew he would fail the test.

"It was a stupid mistake.

"He is a 25-year-old and works full time in retail. He is supporting a five-year-old son.

"It was an expensive mistake.”

District Judge Rosie Watters disqualified the defendant from driving for a period of 16 months for driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs. This will be reduced by a quarter to 12 months on the successful completion of a drink driving course.

The defendant was told that he will have to resit his driving test before he regains his driving licence.

Ms Watters also imposed a fine of £250, as well as an offender’s levy of £15.