Drunk crashed into wall

A GORTIN man has been disqualified from driving after crashing into a wall while three times the legal drink driving limit.

Michael McDermott (40) of Clachan Bride appeared at Strabane Magistrates Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to drink driving.

Police had been called to the scene of a crash involving a possible drunk driver on the Learmore Road, Killen, on September 8, 2021.

When officers arrived they found that a black Vauxhall Astra had crashed into a wall. It had substantial damage to its front, and its airbags had been deployed. The officers spoke to a neighbour who said the driver of the car appeared to have been drinking.

When the officers spoke to McDermott, who was still at the scene, he appeared unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred.

McDermott was arrested and returned an evidential reading of 106 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35 micrograms.

The defendant gave a mostly ‘no comment’ interview to police, but said “aye, I crashed into the wall.”

Defence solicitor, Michael Fahy, noting the case had initially been listed for contest before McDermott entered a plea, said there were points which could have been raised in the case, such as an absence of proof that the defendant had been driving, aside from his “unsolicited” comment during interview. With regard the damage to the wall, Mr Fahy said McDermott had been fully insured which should pay for the cost of repair. Deputy District Judge, John Connolly said that would be a matter for the civil courts.

Returning to the criminal case, Judge Connolly noted McDermott had three previous convictions for drink driving, but that they dated to 18 and 17 years ago, and he had has no relevant convictions since.

Judge Connolly disqualified McDermott from driving for 18 months and fined him £500.