Three-year ban for Ballymoney man

It was the second time Jonathan Parke (23), of Carnany Park, was in court for such an offence.

North Antrim Magistrates Court in Coleraine was told on Friday police went to the scene of a road traffic collision on the Kirk Road, Ballymoney, on February 21 this year.

A vehicle had crashed into the side of the road and was extensively damaged and the driver had been taken to hospital.

When officers spoke to the defendant in hospital an alcohol reading showed a reading of 84 which was above the legal limit of 80.

The defendant told police he was driving too fast for the road conditions.

Unemployed Parke, a former utility worker, said he was laid off work and couldn’t afford to get a solicitor to represent himself.

He told the court on his own accord he had been drinking the night before and took a chance to go to work which he deeply regretted.

He said he had nothing to eat all day and the incident happened on his way home in the afternoon.

The court was told the ban will be reduced by nine months if the defendant successfully completes a drink driver’s course.