An Armagh man who was caught by police driving whilst over twice the legal limit has been handed an 18-month ban.
Court heard the 44-year-old had since sought to deal with his alcohol problem and that he had handed his licence into the DVLA to be revoked three weeks ago.
Richard Corr, 44, of Hill Street, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Court heard that on February 3, at around 1am, police on patrol of the Armagh area were passed by a car driven by the defendant on Dawson Street, Armagh.
The officers stopped the vehicle to speak to Corr.
As he exited the car the defendant appeared intoxicated as he stumbled and was unsteady on his feet.
Corr was subsequently arrested and taken to Dungannon Custody Suite where a breath test was conducted resulting in a reading of 101mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
District Judge Peter Magill commented: “That is a very high reading.”
Defence barrister Scott McWhinney stated: “It is indeed a very high reading and Mr Corr’s record does him no favours.”
Court heard that the defendant did have a relevant record but his last driving whilst under the influence conviction dated back to 1995.
Mr McWhinney said: “Mr Corr suffers from very poor mental health which he puts down to traumatic experiences.
“He attends the Dobbin centre every Monday in order to tackle his alcohol problem and instructs he has been sober for five weeks.”
He added: “Quite unusually Mr Corr went three weeks ago to the DVLA to hand in his licence and asked for it to be revoked.
“He has had no vehicle since this date. He used to work as a stage manager but has not been in employment for some time.”
District Judge Magill stated: “Mr Corr, it has been rightly acknowledged that you have a poor record.
“You have 71 prior convictions but that last time you were before the court for driving whilst intoxicated was back in 1995.”
He continued: “I see that you are seeking help and I wish you good luck.”
The defendant was disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay a fine of £100, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 20 weeks.
Corr was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced if completed.
