Maghera drink driver spotted veering over the road

Patrick Joseph Convery (50), of Urbalshinney Road, Maghera, was also fined £315 for driving while having consumed excess alcohol.

District Judge Alan White told defendant that he had relevant convictions of a similar nature, and said he was glad that he was addressing his alcohol issues.

The court heard police observed the car being driven at around 10mph along Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, at 12.20am on May 29 this year.

A prosecuting lawyer said the vehicle came to a standstill in front of police and, on speaking to Convery, officers detected a strong smell of intoxicating liquor coming from him.

She said Convery failed a preliminary breath test and was taken to the custody suite at Antrim where he provided an evidential breath specimen, which showed an alcoholic reading of 109mgs.

A defence solicitor said that Convery had a relevant record and was keen to have the matter dealt with.

He said he had been drinking earlier and was on his way to lift a friend who had been unable to get a taxi.

The lawyer added that the conviction would have repercussions for the defendant who operated a car repair and breakdown service.