Hit another car on wrong side of the road

William Perry McKee (71), Aughnacloy Road, Banbridge, was fined £250 and given five points last Thursday at the local magistrates’ court for failing to report an accident on January 8 this year.

He was also fined £250 for failing to remain at the scene and fined £250 for driving without due care and attention. He was ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard the injured party was driving home towards Oakdale when a vehicle coming in the opposite direction moved onto his side of the road and there was a collision.

The injured party recognised the defendant who tried to leave the scene.

The other driver stood in front of his car and McKee drove up to his knees.

When McKee refused to provide his details the injured party rang the police and the defendant spoke to the call handler admitting he was the driver and also admitted responsibility.

He was asked to stay at the scene but got into his car and drove off.

At a later date he was interviewed at Banbridge police station and denied the offence but when the recording of the call was played to him he admitted his guilt.

The case had been adjourned from a previous court so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

A barrister representing McKee said that the injured party was well known to the defendant and when the collision happened his client was always going to accept responsibility.

He explained that McKee said ‘I’ll be in touch’ and thought that something could be worked out in the future between them.

His son went up the next day with insurance details.

The barrister added that it was momentary inattention by the defendant who worked in the construction industry and his ability to drive was essential to get from place to place.