Motorist had been at party the night before crash

Jordan Paul Johnston (23), of Tulach Way, Magherafelt, admitted driving while having consumed excess alcohol on November 22, 2019.

Prosecuting counsel said a road traffic collision occurred at Aughrim Road, Magherafelt, at 8.40pm and on arrival police spoke to the defendant who failed a breath test and he was taken to Dungannon custody suite, where he provided an evidential specimen showing a reading of 61mgs in breath.

Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton explained Johnston had been drinking at a party the night before the incident and thought he was able to drive. He said the defendant had misjudged the speed of the vehicle approaching and exited the junction.

He added thankfully the driver of the other vehicle had not been injured. “This is a young man who simply made a mistake and is facing the consequences,” he said.

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