A Co Armagh man who crashed whilst twice the drink-drive limit has been handed a 12-month disqualification.
Court heard the 20-year-old remarked to police whilst being conveyed into custody: “I’ve f***** up haven’t I boys?”
Caolan Reynolds, of Ferngrove Park, Aghagallon, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and failing to report an accident at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on March 11, at 12.17am, police received a report of a one-vehicle collision on the Lough Road, Lurgan.
A witness claimed they had seen a male who appeared intoxicated leave the car and walk away.
Officers arrived at the scene to find a Peugeot 208 with heavy damage.
It appeared that the car had hit a traffic island before colliding with a lamp post.
Police located the defendant within the area of William Street car park in Lurgan.
Whilst approaching officers also found a wallet belonging to Reynolds and a bottle of Buckfast tonic wine.
It was noted that the defendant had fresh blood on his face and neck.
A preliminary breath test was administered resulting in a fail.
Reynolds was subsequently arrested, as he was taken into custody he said to police: “I’ve f***** up haven’t I boys?”
A reading of 99mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained in Lurgan Custody Suite.
When interviewed, the defendant made full admissions.
Defence solicitor Siun Downey stated: “On the night in question, Mr Reynolds had driven into Lurgan but had not planned on drinking.
“He went to a few bars and has no explanation as to why he drove.”
She added: “He had never been in a police station or in court before, he is extremely embarrassed.
“I would respectfully say he is a man who will never be before a court again.”
Reynolds was handed a 12-month disqualification and ordered to pay a fine of £350, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
