Moped rider was caught drink driving in Lisburn without a helmet and in possession of a hammer
A man charged with a number of driving offences has been sentenced to eight months in prison.
Mark Buntin, 46, whose address was given as Woodland Avenue in Belfast, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol in blood, possessing an offensive weapon, and failing to wear protective headgear.
The court heard that on May 18, 2025, police were investigating a separate incident when they observed the defendant, who matched the description of someone for whom they were looking, driving a moped in the Ballymacoss area of Lisburn.
The defendant was said to be driving on the wrong side of the road and wasn’t wearing a helmet.
The police shouted for the defendant to stop, however he accelerated away from police.
A member of the public then directed the police to Ballymacoss Drive, where the moped was found to have crashed, with the defendant standing eight feet away from the vehicle.
The defendant was conveyed to custody and a blood test gave a reading of 183 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, the legal limit being 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
It was also stated that the defendant had a hammer on his person when he was found by the police.
Defence told the court the defendant: “reports having been abstinent from substances and alcohol.
"Drugs and alcohol were pivotal factors in the commission of these offences.
"This is a man who has demonstrated a willingness to change.”
District Judge Rosie Watters noted the defendant had been given a suspended sentence in March 2025.
On the charge of possession of an offensive weapon, Ms Watters imposed a custodial sentence of five months.
On the charge of excess alcohol, she imposed a custodial sentence of five months and disqualified the defendant from driving for two years.
On the charge of failing to wear protective headgear, she imposed a fine of £100.
On the charge of dangerous driving she imposed a custodial sentence of five months and disqualified the defendant from driving for two years.
Ms Watters also put into operation a three month suspended sentence, bringing the total custodial sentence to eight months.
Defence sought leave to appeal the sentence, and Ms Watters agreed but refused to release the defendant from custody pending the appeal.