Co Armagh joiner attempted to swig from a half bottle of vodka after declining a PSNI breath test, Craigavon court hears

Joao Ferreira, from Lurgan Road, Portadown, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Friday.

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He pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen while under suspicion of driving with excess alcohol and obstructing police.

Police were alerted to a suspected ‘drunk in charge’ at the Lurgan Road, Portadown on December 28 last year and the vehicle was observed travelling towards Ferreira’s home.

Police saw the vehicle stop on a driveway. “On approach police saw the defendant in the driver’s seat with the headlights still on, the driver’s door was open and a small bottle of liquor was present,” said a Prosecutor.

The defendant refused to take part in a preliminary breath test. "He attempted to grab half a bottle of vodka from the passenger’s seat and drink it,” a Prosecutor told the court.

Police removed the bottle and said the defendant “didn’t seem to consume any”.

Ferreira’s solicitor Mr John McAtamney said his client, a joiner, has no convictions for drink driving.

Mr McAtamney said his client had gone for food with his girlfriend and had a flat tyre. "He managed to limp home and that is when he was detected by police,” he said.

“You will get credit for your plea but not your stupidity at the scene and the way you dealt with police,” said District Judge Michael Ranaghan.

For failing to provide a specimen he was given a 16 months driving ban and fined £250 plus £15 Offender Levy. For obstructing police he was fined £150