Driver denies being drunk before collision at Ballygawley roundabout

A DRIVER has denied he was intoxicated when he crashed a car on the Ballygawley roundabout last week.

Dwayne Adrian Speirs (35), of Riverview Park, appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court by videolink.

A police officer said a ‘999’ emergency call was made from a member of the public last Thursday, reporting that a Toyota Avensis had collided with the rear of his vehicle and the driver (Speirs) was intoxicated. He told police he saw the defendant consume a can of beer while in the driving seat. The witness also reported Speirs had been swerving in and out of traffic.

Speirs provided an evidential breath sample, that recorded an alcohol reading of 74 micrograms, over twice the limit of 35mgs. He was charged with driving while unfit through alcohol and driving without insurance.

During interview, Speirs said he accepted he was driving the car and hit the rear of another car. But he claimed he did not drink until after the collision occurred. However, police believe he was intoxicated before the collision.

Opposing bail, the police officer said Speirs is currently on bail and subject to two ongoing court cases involving alleged violent offences and drugs. She added he has 39 convictions, including 14 traffic offences.

It was a condition of his bail not to be intoxicated in a public place, the court heard.

The police officer said, “We believe due to his alcoholism and drug use, he won’t adhere to bail. He poses a risk to the public and has a disregard for the law and other road users.”

Defence barrister, Craig Patton, said Speirs was addicted to alcohol and was seeking treatment. He stated that the defendant “foolishly” drank from a bottle of whiskey that was in the car.

District Judge, Sean O’Hare asked why the whiskey was in the car.

Speirs claimed it had been there from “before” and he took it after the collision because he was “extremely stressed and in pain”.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 under condition that Speirs refrains from being intoxicated in public and does not sit in the front seat of a motor vehicle.

Speirs asked the judge, “Does that mean I can’t drive?”

Judge O’Hare replied, “It means you can drive from the back seat.”

Speirs then said, “That’s ridiculous, Your Honour.”

Judge O’Hare responded, “What is ridiculous is you in the front seat with a bottle of whiskey. You would be advised to be quiet and speak with your solicitor.”

The case was adjourned until January 28.