A Lurgan man who was caught over the limit the next morning has been handed a 12-month ban.
Court heard the 61-year-old was spotted staggering by a suspecting member of the public who passed this on to police.
John Toland, of Larkfield Square, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on July 9, at 10.30am, police received a report of male suspected of being intoxicated on McCusker Court staggering before getting into a Kia Picanto.
Officers attended the home of the last registered owner of the vehicle and spoke to the defendant.
He confirmed that he had been driving the car.
After noting a strong smell of alcohol, police conducted a preliminary breath test, which resulted in a fail.
Toland was conveyed to Lurgan Custody Suite where an evidential reading of 67mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath was obtained.
Defence solicitor Suin Downey stated: “Mr Toland does have a record, although it is of some vintage.
“He had been with his partner the evening before; he had a few drinks and had gone to the shop the next morning believing he was okay to drive.”
The defendant was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £350, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
