Portadown man, who drove into a hedge in Craigavon, is given a 16-month driving ban, court hears
A Co Armagh man, who drove into a hedge, has been banned from driving for 16 months.
Barry Robert Beattie, aged 47, from Keelmount Grange, Portadown, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and failing to report an accident.
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A member of the public contacted police on January 3 this year stating a car had “just driven into a hedge” in the Highfield area of Craigavon, a Prosecutor revealed.
The man said he spotted a man in the driver’s seat wearing a high-vis top. Police attended and spotted a purple Citroen C4 which had mounted the kerb and hit the fence. No driver or occupants were present.
Checks showed the vehicle was registered to the defendant. Police spoke with the defendant and observed a high-vis jacket on the handrail of the stairs.
An evidential breath test was carried out with a result of 118 micrograms of alcohol to 100 millilitres of breath. The legal alcohol limit for drivers in NI is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
His barrister Mr John Paul McCann said his client has a criminal record but it is “of some vintage”. “This was a foolish mistake he made. He went a short distance to the shop and deeply regrets it.”
The barrister pointed out there were no witnesses to the driving however his client made full admissions.
"He has paid a very heavy price. He's employed as a driver and he's lost that employment, so he now has no income whatsoever. It’s been a very costly experience for him.”
He added that he has attended with his GP and wants to give up alcohol for good given the damage that it has cost him.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: “It is quite clear this already has had an impact on you and your relationship. It is a clear indication of why nobody should get behind the wheel of a car with alcohol on board."
"It’s beyond stupid for a man in your position,” said the District Judge, adding the reading was “exceptionally high”.
He banned Beattie for 16 months for driving with excess alcohol. He faced a further concurrent six months ban for failing to report the accident. He was also fined £150 each for both charges.