Police spot car being driven ‘erratically’

Morgan Quinn from Annagher Road, Coalisland, was also fined £175 with a £15 offender levy for driving while having consumed excess alcohol.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan certified the 20-year-old suitable to take part in the drink driving rehabilitation course.

Mr Ranaghan said he also acknowledged the contents of a letter from the defendant’s employer.

Prosecution counsel told Dungannon Magistrates Court on Wednesday that on September 7, police on patrol observed a VW car being driven erratically on the Moortown to Stewartstown road.

She said the vehicle was stopped and the driver displayed all the usual signs of intoxication.

Counsel said the defendant went on to provide a specimen of breath which showed an alcohol reading of 52mg. She added that the defendant did not have a record.

A defence lawyer explained that the defendant has been driving for two and half years.

He said she had been out in a bar in Brackaville and would say that she could not get a taxi to take her home.

The lawyer said that she was persuaded into driving and it’s something that she is now “very embarrassed of and regretful”.

The lawyer added that she would be very keen to take part in the drink driving course. He asked for credit to be given for the early plea.

District Judge Ranaghan said it was not the highest reading he has come across.