Magherafelt apprentice mechanic who drove off at speed from police was over the drink-driving limit
An apprentice lorry mechanic who took off at speed from police who were checking vehicles at Magherafelt in the early hours of the morning, has lost his licence for 14 months.
The court heard the incident happened at Church Street at 4.05am on April 7 this year when police noticed a car pull into the side of the road before turning and speeding off down Station Road.
Matthew Totten, aged 20, of Derramore Heights, Magherafelt, was also fined a total of £400 with a £15 offender’s levy for failing to stop for police and driving while having consumed excess alcohol in breath.
A charge of driving without due care and attention was withdrawn by the prosecutor.
Prosecuting counsel told Magherafelt Magistrates Court that police followed and observed the car on the wrong side of the Ballyheifer Road and turning off its lights before turning into Derramore Heights.
She said police, who initiated lights and sirens, later spoke to the defendant who smelled strongly of intoxicating liquor and his speech was slurred.
He was arrested and taken to Antrim police station where he provided an evidential specimen which showed an alcohol reading of 52 mcgs per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 mcgs.
A defence lawyer explained Totten had been at a friend’s house where he consumed alcohol.
He pointed out the defendant was considered a valued and dedicated apprentice.
The lawyer added that Totten’s mother will have to drive him to Mallusk for the remainer of his lessons.
Imposing the penalties, District Judge Alan White remarked the incident had been aggravated by the defendant driving off.