A Middletown man who was involved in a collision after driving whilst over twice the limit now relies on his mother for a lift to work.
Handing the 24-year-old a 12 month ban, the district judge commented: “If she continues chauffeuring him around the country she is enabling his next drink driving offence.”
Dyllon Dynes, of Rathtrillick Park, had a plea of guilty entered on his behalf to driving with excess alcohol at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on January 16, at 3.40am, police received a report of a one vehicle collision on the Monaghan Road, Middletown.
Upon arrival, officers observed a male, later identified as this defendant, beside a black car which displayed damage.
Dynes admitted being the driver of the vehicle and police noted that the defendant was unsteady on his feet and had glazed eyes.
A preliminary breath test resulted in a fail, with an evidential sample obtained in custody giving a 96mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – over twice the legal limit.
Defence barrister Scott McWhinney stated: “This was a terrible piece of driving and an even worse piece of decision making.”
The barrister explained that Dynes had returned home from drinking with friends by taxi but then made the “foolish decision” to drive. He told court his client could still not provide an explanation for this.
Mr McWhinney stated that the serious nature of the offence had been stressed to his client.
He outlined that there were to be consequences with Dynes having to rely on his mother for lifts to and from work.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “I wouldn’t. He could get a bus or even better rise a few hours earlier and walk it. If she continues chauffeuring him around the country she is enabling his next drink driving offence.”
Dynes was handed a 12 month disqualification and was ordered to pay a fine of £350, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
