Sleeping in the driver's seat

A Lurgan man with a previous drink driving conviction on his record was banned from driving for three years last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

Christopher Owens (22), whose address was given as The Grange, Lurgan, admitted to being in charge of vehicle on February 28 this year with excess alcohol on his breath.

As well as the three year ban he was fined £250 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

Owens had a previous conviction for driving with excess alcohol.

The court heard that at 4.15am a police patrol saw a car parked at Eastway, Lurgan, and the front seats were in a reclined position.

Owens was sleeping in the driver’s seat.

The keys were in the ignition and a breath test on the defendant gave a reading of 70 - the legal limit is 35.

A solicitor representing Owens said he had taken alcohol along with a friend.

She added that he had simply fallen asleep in the car and had no intention of driving home.