Jeep crashed through fence

Robert James Douglas (36), Clonmakate Road, was banned for 20 months last Friday at Craigavon Court for driving with excess alcohol in blood on February 23.

He was also fined £200. If he completes a course for drink driving the ban would be reduced by five months.

The court heard that at 12.20am on the Birches Road a jeep crashed through a fence into the garden of a house. The vehicle was badly damaged and the defendant was unsteady on his feet. A blood test gave a reading of 227.

A solicitor explained that Douglas was a keen cyclist and had been cycling with a friend. They had gone for a few drinks and Douglas made the foolish decision to drive home.

There was nobody else involved in the accident and when the defendant went and fixed the fence at his own cost.

He said that Douglas was a mechanic and the loss of his licence was going to affect his business.