A Craigavon man who gave a false name to police when stopped driving whilst disqualified is to appeal against a four month prison sentence.
The 24-year-old’s barrister told court the defendant was “a man who, despite his young age, has racked up an unenviable record with regards to motoring offences”.
Chris Faloon, of Ferngrove Park, appeared for sentencing on obstructing police, driving whilst disqualified, using a vehicle without insurance and two counts of fraudulent use of registration marks at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on August 16, police on patrol on the Northway Portadown, stopped the defendant driving a Ford Transit which was towing a Ford Focus.
When spoken to by officers, Faloon initially gave them a false name but later revealed his true identity and admitted to being a disqualified driver.
The licence plates on the vehicles were found to be fraudulent and the defendant was arrested for the charges before the court.
Defence barrister Scott McWhinney stated: “To call this anything more than an unsophisticated attempt at deception would be a fantasy.
“There is very little in the report. Probation feel that Mr Faloon could be helped. If your worship feels this has crossed the custody threshold, I ask that something is left hanging over his head.”
He added: “This would be the last stop for him before custody. He is a man who, despite his young age, has racked up an unenviable record with regards to motoring offences.”
Deputy District Judge Sean O’Hare commented: “He was given probation in April 2019, yet here he is driving again and this time with false plates and giving a false name.”
Mr McWhinney stated: “It was always doomed to fail and I ask that he is given one final chance.”
Deputy District Judge O’Hare told the defendant: “It is quite clear that nothing is working with you in keeping you from being on the road with no insurance.”
Faloon was sentenced to four months in prison and was disqualified from driving for two years.
Instructing solicitor Gabriel Ingram made it known that the defendant wished to appeal the sentence. He was released on his own bail of £500 pending this.
