Drink driver moved car to keep it safe

He was Andrew Hillis, Edenderry Park, Banbridge, and he was fined £250 and banned for 12 months for driving with excess alcohol in breath on September 6 this year.

For not having insurance he was fined £250 and disqualified for nine months. He was also ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

On completion of a course for drink driving his 12 month ban would be reduced by three months.

Banbridge Magistrates Court heard last Thursday he was stopped in Scarva Street and there was a smell of alcohol on his breath.

He failed the roadside test and an evidential breath test gave a reading of 84. He was not insured to drive the car.

A solicitor representing Hillis said he had only driven a short distance.

He explained that the defendant noticed a number of youths at the back of some houses and decided to move the vehicle for safe keeping. He was doing that when he was detected by police. He had taken a couple of drinks in his house.

The solicitor added that Hillis realised the impact of losing his licence would have.

When he informed his employer what had happened he was told his employment was going to be terminated.

Deputy District Judge Laura Ivers told Hillis his actions had not only put himself at risk but other road users as well.