Man who 'spun' his car on the M1 was three times over the drink driving limit, Lisburn court hears
A man who ‘spun’ his car on the M1 at Black’s Road has been banned from driving for 18 months.
Michael Owens, 32, whose address was given as King Street in Belfast, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with driving with excess alcohol in his breath.
The court heard that on April 7, 2026 just before 2am, police received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision on the M1 close to Black’s Road in Dunmurry.
On arrival, the police observed a vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder of the motorway facing oncoming traffic.
Officers suspected alcohol had been taken by the defendant, who stated he had had three pints.
A breath test gave a reading of 110 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
A defence lawyer told the court: “I understand he spun the car.”
He continued: “He seems shocked he has got himself into this.
"He intended to go and see friends for half an hour and then started to drink.
"He was about two miles away from home and decided to drive back home. He is not trying to make any excuses. One would hope he has learnt his lesson.”
District Judge Rosie Watters disqualified the defendant from driving for 18 months, which will be reduced by a quarter on the successful completion of a drink driving course.
Ms Watters also imposed a fine of £300 and an offender’s levy of £15.
She warned the defendant: “If you have a problem with alcohol you should do something about it.”