Driving ban for Scarva man who ‘met company’

A Scarva man has been banned for a year after pleading guilty to driving whilst unfit.
University of Ulster plans to build a multi-storey car park at its new £250 million Belfast campus.University of Ulster plans to build a multi-storey car park at its new £250 million Belfast campus.
University of Ulster plans to build a multi-storey car park at its new £250 million Belfast campus.

Derek Thomas Jones from Glenloughan Park, was also fined £200 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy when he appeared before last week’s court.

The court agreed that the 37-year-old was a suitable candidate for the drink drive offender’s course.

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If he successfully completes this, his period of disqualification may be reduced to nine months.

Jones came to the attention of police on 15 May at 9pm when they spotted his Ford Focus at Mill Street, Gilford.

They monitored his driving as they thought it was suspicious and followed him doing 40mph in a 30mph zone.

Jones stopped after blue lights were activated and when officers spoke to him.

He seemed dazed, confused and nervous.

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They suspected he was unfit to drive but due to having no breath testing equipment with them, police carried out an impairment test.

Jones was unable to answer simples questions and was deemed unfit.

A breath test revealed 81mgs of alcohol.

A solicitor said his client was a welder and father of four who had no previous record for driving matters.

He explained how Jones had driven from Scarva then taken his bicycle along the tow-path when he fell into company and had some drinks.

He said his client was running late and this led to him driving.