Joiner found sleeping in car given penalty points

John Cassidy (33), of Iniscarn Road, Londonderry, also received ten penalty points for being in charge of the vehicle while having consumed excess alcohol .

Prosecuting counsel told the court at about 2.30am on June 28 this year, police were made aware of a suspicious vehicle and located it in the Garden Street area of Magherafelt

The lawyer said Cassidy was sitting sleeping in the driver’s seat with the engine running.

Police spoke to him and detected a strong smell of intoxicating liquor and he provided a preliminary breath test which showed an alcohol reading of 79mgs, said the lawyer.

He said the defendant was taken to Antrim custody suite were he provided an evidential breath specimen showing a count of 75mgs.

The lawyer said he was kept in detention until he sobered up.

Admitting the offence Stephen Atherton, solicitor, explained the defendant had been in a local hostelry when he felt unwell and went out to the car.

Mr Atherton said Cassidy did not know he was committing an offence by sleeping in his car. He was ignorant of the law and had absolutely no intention of driving the vehicle, said the solicitor, who added the defendant had entered a plea at the earliest opportunity.

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