A Tassagh man who was caught driving by police after being disqualified for an offence of drink driving has escaped a further ban.
Court heard the 52-year-old was involved in an accident in May 2018 which had left with him a brain injury and flesh missing from his arm.
Gordon Kennedy, of Corkley Road, pleaded guilty to using a vehicle without insurance and driving whilst disqualified at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on September 16, at around 9.50am, police stopped the defendant driving a Citroen Berlingo van on the Keady Road in Armagh.
Kennedy initially gave police a false name and said that the van he was driving belonged to his son.
It was established that Kennedy was a disqualified driver and when cautioned he told police: “Yeah, look I shouldn’t have been out driving.”
During a notebook interview, the defendant made full admissions. The van belonged to his son and he himself was a disqualified driver.
Defence barrister Michael Tierney stated: “This is a man who was involved in an accident in May 2018 which left him with brain injuries and he lost flesh on his left arm.
“Due to this he has had too much time on his hands as he has not been able to work on his farm. On that day he had some issues with a cow and had taken his son’s van.”
District Judge Paul Copeland said: “Mr Kennedy, on February 19 you were convicted of drink driving, you and everyone in that situation are disqualified and for good reason.
“I am impressed about what has been said on your behalf and do accept that this was a matter of poor judgement on your part but don’t let this happen again.”
Kennedy was handed a conditional discharge for two years and handed six penalty points.
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