Man accused of driving with excess alcohol in Lurgan, is also charged with pretending to be a solicitor, Craigavon court hears
A 37-year-old man, accused of pretending to be a solicitor and damaging a police custody suite, is also facing a driving with excess alcohol charge, a court has heard.
Stephen McParland, aged 37, of Donegall Street, Belfast, appeared in the dock before Craigavon Magistrates Court.
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He is accused of being an unqualified person pretending to be a solicitor and criminal damage of a PSNI custody suite on December 8, 2025.
He is further accused of driving with excess alcohol at William Street, Lurgan, failing to provide a breath specimen for a preliminary breath test, obstructing police and no insurance on the same date.
The charges were put to McParland and when he was asked if he understood the charges he responded: “Yes I do.”
A PSNI officer said he was aware of the facts and circumstances of the case and could connect the defendant to the charges. This raised no issues with the defence.
The prosecution said a decision has been taken to prosecute in all charges with ‘the final charge of being an unqualified person pretending to be a solicitor added’.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan adjourned the case until January 16 for the defendant’s attitude as to whether he wishes to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges.
A PSNI officer told the judge there were no police bail conditions.
The district judge marked McParland’s own court bail of £300 and ordered him downstairs with the prison staff to sign it.
"You will then be released. The matter is back on January 16,” he said.
McParland’s lawyer said there is a legal aid application as his client is on Universal Credit.