Drunk driver loses licence for 16 months

Twenty-two-year-old Michael Mulholland from Meadow Villas, Gulladuff, was also fined £250 with a £15 offender levy for driving while having consumed excess alcohol.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan remarked at Dungannon Magistrates Court on Wednesday that the defendant’s alcohol reading would normally attract a disqualification of between 18 months and two years.

But the judge said he would account for his early plea and certified him suitable to take part in the drink-driving rehabilitation course which if completed successfully would take the disqualification down to 12 months.

Prosecution counsel said at approximately 3.40am on October 11 police on mobile patrol at Dungannon Road, Cookstown, stopped a car they observed driving on the hard shoulder.

She said on speaking to the defendant they detected a smell of intoxicating liquor and noticed that he was unsteady on his feet when he got out of the vehicle.

Counsel added that Mulholland later provided an evidential specimen of breath which showed an alcohol reading of 96mgs.

Defence lawyer Brendan Kearney explained that the defendant had been out drinking with friends and “very foolishly” decided to get behind the wheel and drive to his girlfriend’s house.

Mr Kearney said there could be an impact for the defendant in terms of continuing with his employment.