A man who refused to submit to a breath test after going the wrong way around a roundabout has been fined.
Eusebiu-Stelian Ropescu, of Annahugh Road, Loughgall, did not have a valid licence or insurance when he was stopped by police on December 23.
The 34-year-old appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court, charged with driving without insurance, driving without a licence and failing to provide a specimen of breath.
A further charge of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs was withdrawn by the prosecution.
The court heard that on December 23, last year, police came into contact with Ropescu when he emerged from a roundabout in front of police and failed to give way.
He then made a full loop around the roundabout on the wrong side of the road, without indicating.
Police stopped Ropescu, and reported taking “some time” to establish his correct details.
It was ascertained that he was not the registered keeper of the vehicle and was not insured to drive.
He failed to provide a breath test reading and later, whilst in custody, failed to cooperate with the evidential procedure, and was “throwing his arms around”.
Enquiries established he did not have a valid UK or Northern Ireland driving licence.
On hearing the facts, District Judge Michael Ranaghan noted his surprise that there were no careless or dangerous driving charges listed.
Speaking in Ropescu’s defence, his counsel stated that Ropescu apologised for his behaviour in custody as, “there was a language barrier and he became very frustrated”.
He said that Ropescu, who does not work, but does ad-hoc jobs when they come about, has been in Northern Ireland for some time, and this was his first appearance before the courts.
Defence added that Ropescu had been ferrying presents about to different houses before Christmas, and had made a “very stupid decision” to drive.
“When I asked him about the quality of the driving, he said he couldn’t remember very much about it.”
Judge Ranaghan said that while Ropescu was entitled to credit for pleading guilty, failing to provide a specimen was a serious offence.
He imposed a total fine of £375, alongside the £15 offender levy, to be paid within 20 weeks.
Ropescu was also disqualified from driving for 14 months.
