Man loses licence for drink-driving after two-car crash in Magherafelt car park

Ryan Park, 23, of The Square, Stewartstown, was also fined a total of £315 for driving while having consumed excess alcohol.

The court heard that police attended a road traffic accident involving two cars at Rainey Street car park in Magherafelt around 7.45pm on September 23.

A prosecuting lawyer explained that both drivers, who were uninjured, were spoken to and breathalysed.

She said the defendant failed the preliminary test and later provided a specimen which showed an alcohol reading of 81mgs in breath.

A defence solicitor said Park’s girlfriend had been working and he had decided to have a couple of drinks with friends.

He said the defendant had then left intending to drive to his girlfriend’s house.

The solicitor stressed that the accident had been “very low velocity impact”.

He added that the defendant has been driving for five years and has no previous convictions.

District Judge Alan White remarked that the defendant was over twice the limit and this would have to be reflected in his period of disqualification.

Mr White gave the defendant permission to take part in the drink-driving rehabilitation course which, if successfully completed, entitles him to a reduction in his period of disqualification.

The judge strongly advised the defendant to participate in the course as his driving ban could be reduced by three months.