Drunk driver collided with a parked car

Noel Hagan, Ballyoran Park, Portadown, was banned from driving for 16 months last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

He was also fined £150 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy for driving with excess alcohol in his breath on October 25 this year.

Fines of £75 were imposed for failing to stop, failing to remain and failing to report an accident.

The court heard that in Obin Street a car collided with a parked vehicle. A witness gave police a description of the driver and Hagan was located a short distance away. He denied being involved but car keys were found in his pocket and they fitted the vehicle involved.

Hagan failed a roadside breath test and an evidential test gave a reading of 89. A solicitor representing Hagan said he had no previous convictions and no points on his licence.He explained that the defendant had been in a pub in Portadown town centre and had parked his car in a street with the intention of walking home. The solicitor added that Hagan succumbed to the temptation to drive home when he was unfortunately involved in an accident with a parked car. He left to go to his sister’s to sort the matter out. District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said Hagan’s behaviour at the scene was reprehensible as he tried to get away and then denied everything even though the keys were found in his possession.