A Loughgall father who lost control of his car whilst over twice the limit on his way to see his son has been handed a 12 month ban .
The 48-year-old’s solicitor told court that the loss of licence would have a “great impact” on his client’s work as a self employed upholsterer.
Neil Buckley, of Main Street, pleaded guilty to a single charge of driving with excess alcohol at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on November 21, at 2.08am, police received a report of a one vehicle collision on the Fernagreevagh Road, Loughgall.
Upon arrival, officers located this defendant wearing no shoes standing near a car which had crashed through trees and into a yard.
Both the vehicle and the tree line were significantly damaged and a preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail.
An evidential sample of breath, obtained at Omagh Police Station, gave a reading of 81mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – over twice the legal limit.
Defence solicitor Joseph McDonald stated that Buckley had been drinking with friends but after they had left he received a call from his son, who was home alone at his mother’s house.
He said: “He lives three miles up the road, he made the decision to go and see his son. After two miles he lost control of the care, he is fortunate that no one else was involved.”
Mr McDonald added that the loss of licence would have a “great impact” on his client’s work as a self employed upholsterer.
Buckley was disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
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