Drink driver had reading of 145 in '¨his breath sample

The reading in a drink driving case was so high that the judge at last Friday's sitting of Craigavon Magistrates Court ordered a pre-sentence report.
Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.
Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.

Kestutis Povilaitis (38), whose address was given as Enniskeen, Craigavon, admitted driving with excess alcohol in his breath on April 17 this year.

The court heard that at 12.15am in Bridge Street, Portadown, police saw a vehicle stop five metres away from a green traffic light.

When it turned to red the car moved forward to the stop line. The offside brake light was not lit and police stopped the car.

They spoke to the defendant who failed the roadside test and an evidential test gave a reading of 145 - the legal limit is 35.

Mr Conor Downey, representing the defendant, said that given the level of the reading the court may consider that a pre-sentence report would be appropriate.

He added that his client had a clear record, had been living in the jurisdiction for 11 years and had not previously come to police attention.

Mr Downey explained that Povilaitis had been out socialising with friends the day before and the next day returned to the public house.

He said that the defendant took more alcohol and foolishly attempted to drive home.

District Judge Benita Boyd said the reading was so high there was a serious risk to the public and the court would require a pre-sentence report. Adjourning sentencing until June 10 she also imposed an interim period of disqualification.

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