A Portadown man who ended up in a garden after drink driving was in hysterics upon the arrival of police, court has heard.
The 23-year-old’s solicitor stated that the defendant “took a risk” driving home from a function due to the “late hour”.
Jamie Dean Smith, of Tandragee Road, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on December 8, at around 3.40am, police attended a road traffic collision on the Ballymagerny Road in Loughgall.
Officers arrived to find a vehicle in a garden. They spoke to the defendant who admitted to being the driver.
Smith was observed to be in hysterics. He smelled of intoxicating liquor and was unsteady on his feet.
The defendant was arrested and whilst in custody an evidential sample of breath was obtained giving a reading of 66mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
Defence solicitor Richard Montieth stated: “It has to be one of the frankest and earliest admissions. The third question he was asked in interview was how did his vehicle end up in the garden.
“He told police it was a tight bend and he was obviously under the influence and must have clipped the kerb.”
He continued: “He had been at a work function in Loughgall. Due to the late hour he thought there would be no cars on the road and thought he would be OK to drive.
“He took a risk, he has a clear record except for one unrelated caution.”
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer stated: “This was a plea at the earliest opportunity and you have no record which stands you in good stead.”
Smith was disqualified from driving for 12 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 20 weeks.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced to one of nine months upon completion.
