A Gilford man whose car tyres were in such poor condition that they contributed to him hitting a lamppost has been fined.
Thirty-one-year-old John Ryan Potts – with an address in Pine View Court – appeared before Banbridge Magistrates Court pleading guilty to using a vehicle in dangerous condition and displaying an incorrect form of a registration plate.
Outlining the facts of the case, Mr Kinnear for the prosecution said that on December 7, 2025 at 9.52pm police received a call from a member of the public in relation to a collision with a lamppost at the junction with Hill Street and High Street in Gilford.
At 10.18pm police arrived on scene and identified the damaged vehicle as a Nissan Skyline.
Also present was the defendant – Potts – who admitted he was the owner and driver of the car.
When subjected to a preliminary breath test Potts blew a reading of zero.
Additional inspections of the car revealed the rear tyres to be in a very poor condition and the car was seized, pending investigation by an authorised officer.
On January 7, 2026 the car was examined by an authorised offcier who found the rear tyres to be in such poor condition that they were a “clear blow out risk and danger to the public and other road users”.
The officer also found the car registration did not conform to UK specifications.
On April 23, the defendant attended Banbridge station and took part in a visually recorded interview and made admissions to the charges.
The court heard that Potts did have a relevant previous record.
Deputy District Judge Rea asked, as far as the number plate was concerned, in what respect were the regulations not adhered to and whether there was a deliberate attempt to have a different number appear?
Defence counsel for Potts explained it was not a move to be deceitful and was more to do with the “size” of the lettering.
Counsel explained that Potts simply “didn’t inspect his rear tyres but was open and honest with police in regards to the driving of the vehicle”.
The lawyer said the incident wasn’t “influenced by alcohol or drugs” and that their client “apologises and will be more careful in the future”.
It was also accepted by Potts that the condition of the tyres contributed to the accident.
For driving the car in a dangerous condition Potts was issued a fine of £150, an offenders levy of £15 and three penalty points.
He was further fined £100 for the incorrect number plate.
Judge Rea granted him a total of 12 weeks’ time to pay.
