Girlfriend reported partner for drink driving after row

A COURT has heard how a hospital worker from Strabane is now grateful to his girlfriend who reported him for drink driving after an argument at a Fermanagh hotel.

James McDermott (35), from Springhill Park, had driven just a short distance on the Lisnarick Road on September 25 when police found him in his car, which was stationary at the time.

Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday that McDermott, who works at Altnagelvin Hospital, had driven off following an argument with this girlfriend at a Fermanagh hotel, and she had called police to report him for drink driving.

McDermott was arrested after police detected the smell of alcohol and noted his speech was slurred. He returned an alcohol breath reading of 86 microgrammes per 100ml of breath, more than twice the drink
driving limit of 35 microgrammes.

Defence solicitor Oliver Roche said McDermott, who had no previous convictions, had fallen out with his girlfriend, who then reported him to police after he drove off.

Mr Roche noted the defendant had only driven a very short distance, and was clearly distressed when police spoke with him.

The solicitor said McDermott had since made up with his partner, and was now grateful for what she did.

Deputy district judge Laura Ivers fined McDermott £200 and disqualified him from driving for a minimum of 12 months.