Scaffolder involved in three-vehicle crash on Glenshane Road loses licence for four years
A 29-year-old scaffolder involved in a three-vehicle collision on the Glenshane Road, has lost his licence for four years.
Scott James Speers, from Ballynahone Road, Maghera, was also fined £400 with a £15 offender's levy for driving while having consumed excess alcohol in blood on April 11 this year.
Magherafelt Magistrates Court was told on Wednesday that at approximately 9pm, police received a report of a three-vehicle collision on the Glenshane Road, Maghera, and on arrival found that all three vehicles were heavily damaged.
Prosecuting counsel said on speaking to Speers at the scene he told police that he had been drink driving.
The lawyer said because of his injuries he was taken to Antrim Area Hospital for treatment, and provided a blood specimen showing an evidential reading of 176 mg per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80 mg.
Counsel stressed that the alcohol reading is over double the legal limit and the offence was aggravated by the collision.
Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton said this was the defendant’s second offence for drink driving within the ten-year time frame.
Mr Atherton explained it was a Friday and Scott had gone for drinks after work and foolishly decided to drive home instead of getting a taxi. He said luckily from the papers no one was seriously injured in the incident.
The solicitor asked the court to give the defendant credit for his acceptance of responsibility to the police. He added that Scott worked on the family farm and as a scaffolder.