Tyre fitter had been out with friends for a night

A Pomeroy motorist, who was said to have been unsteady on his feet on getting out of a car for police, lost his licence for 12 months at Dungannon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
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Odhran John Corrigan (22), tyre fitter, of Main Street, was also fined £175 with a £15 offender levy for driving while the proportion of alcohol in his urine exceeded the prescribed limit.

Prosecuting counsel said at about 1.25am police observed a Mercedes car at James Street, Cookstown, which appeared to be going quite quickly.

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He said the vehicle turned right into Drum Road where it was stopped. He said the driver was wearing a baseball cap and did not make eye contact with the police officer.

Counsel said Corrigan appeared unsteady on his feet on getting out of the car and spoke with a slurred voice.

He failed a preliminary breath test and was taken to Omagh custody suite where he provided a urine specimen which showed a reading of 116mgs, 107 being the legal limit.

A defence lawyer stressed Corrigan was only just over the limit. He explained the defendant had been out for a night with friends and had consumed three or four pints of beer.

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He said the defendant, who had a clear record, had a taxi booked to bring him home from Cookstown.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan certified Corrigan suitable to take part in the drink driving rehabilitation course, and gave him 20 weeks to pay the fine.

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