A Craigavon barman who was caught driving over the limit after having a few drinks after work has been disqualified for 12 months.
The 40-year-old’s solicitor told court the defendant relied on driving due to the rural area in which he lived and the late hours of his employment.
Neil Barbour, of Derrytrasna Road, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on August 1, at 2.25am, police stopped the defendant driving a Mazda on the Lough Road in Craigavon.
Officers noted that Barbour’s eyes were glazed, his speech slurred and that he smelled of intoxicating liquor.
A preliminary breath test was carried out resulting in a fail and the defendant was subsequently arrested.
Whilst in custody an evidential reading of 77mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained.
Defence solicitor Harry McCourt stated: “Mr Barbour appears with a clean licence. He is a barman in Lurgan and after finishing his shift he had a few drinks.
“He thought he was okay to drive but that was not the case.”
He continued: “He lives in a rural area and due to his late working hours relies on driving. He has two children aged 10 and seven.
“His wife has some health issues which may lead to her not being able to drive.”
Barbour was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced to one of nine months if completed.
