Man’s 56-year clear record ends after drink-driving offence

Anthony McKeown (72), The Beeches, was also fined £100 for driving with excess alcohol in blood on June 20.

If he completes a course for drinking driving the period of disqualification would be reduced by three months.

The court heard police were carrying out a vehicle checkpoint on the Garvaghy Road when they saw a car turn away from the checkpoint.

They stopped it and spoke to the defendant who was the driver.

He failed the roadside test and a blood test gave a reading of 124.

Mr Hugo Marley, representing the defendant, said his client had agreed to a request from a friend to drive him home.

He added that McKeown had been driving for 56 years and had never been in court before and did not have any points on his licence.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said the fact the defendant had a long clear record and no points on his licence would be reflected in the fine.