A man has been denied certification for the drink driving course after his second offence led to a 12-month disqualification.
The district judge told the 40-year-old, whose first conviction dated back to 2002: “You only get one chance.”
Gareth Lowry, of Clarendon Park, Magheralin pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Court heard that on April 5, at around 12.40am, police spotted the defendant driving on the New Forge Road, Magheralin.
Officers followed Lowry a short distance to his home address.
They spoke to him and noted a strong smell of intoxicating liquor.
The defendant submitted to a preliminary breath test which resulted in a fail.
An evidential sample was later obtained in custody which gave a reading of 49mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
Defence counsel stated: “He had been drinking that night and travelled a short distance, but he accepts he should not have driven.
“Police commented that he was calm, quiet and coherent.”
It was heard the Lowry had one prior conviction for driving with excess alcohol dating back to 2002.
The defendant was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
Defence counsel asked if Lowry was suitable for the drink driving course.
However, District Judge Kelly commented: “You only get one chance.”
