A Co Meath man has been handed a one-year driving ban after contemplating sleeping in his car following a fight with his wife, a court has heard.
John Horrigan, 50, of Carrick Street, Kells, appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday charged with drink driving.
The incident occurred on February 18, this year, when police spotted the defendant get out of a BMW on the Gilford Road, Lurgan, and walk unsteadily to the boot to get a coat.
As they approached they noted that Horrigan smelt of alcohol and a preliminary breath test at the roadside gave a reading of 132 mg of alcohol per 100mls.
At Lurgan Custody Suite another test administered gave a lower reading of 73 mg per 100mls of breath.
Defence counsel told the court the defendant had no previous convictions or points on his licence and had over 20 years driving experience.
Court also heard that Horrigan had been visiting friends and had an argument with his wife.
He then “foolishly” decided to take the car a short way up the road and had been contemplating staying in the car.
District Judge Bernie Kelly ordered Horrigan to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy.
The defendant was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to resit the test after that.
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