A Co. Armagh man who was caught driving whilst over the limit after police received a report from his wife has been handed a 12 month disqualification.
Court heard how the 57-year-old also took his wife’s phone and put it into a sink before turning on the tap.
Stephen Symington, of Derryane Road, Dungannon pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and attempted criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Friday via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on April 29, at 10.05pm, police received a report from the defendant’s wife claiming that her husband had been driving on Bocombra Meadows in Portadown whilst under the influence.
Officers arrived and spoke to the defendant. It was noted that he was unsteady on his feet and smelled of intoxicating liquor.
A preliminary breath test was conducted resulting in a fail and a subsequent evidential sample obtained at Lurgan Custody Suite gave a reading of 92mg.
The defendant’s wife also reported that he had taken her iPhone and placed it in the sink before turning on the tap.
Defence barrister John McCann stated: “At this time, he was searching for employment unsuccessfully. He was at a low ebb and quite depressed. He had a few drinks and did not travel too far.
“With regards to the attempted criminal damage, he lost his temper with his wife. She was recording him on the phone and he felt somewhat antagonised.”
He continued: “Thankfully, his daughter retrieved the phone before any damage was done. It was quite a silly thing to do. He is now living with his elderly parents and going through a separation from his wife.
“He is finding it quite difficult, he has been driving for 40 years, he has never had any points and has no criminal record.”
District Judge Rosie Watters handed Symington a conditional discharge for two years, disqualified him from driving for two years and ordered him to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced to one of nine months upon completion.
