Man who caused crash was three times over limit

A COALISLAND motorist who caused a road traffic collision, was over three times the legal alcohol limit.

Stephen Anthony Armstrong (53) of Derryvale Park was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £500 when he appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court. He admitted charges of driving with excess alcohol and driving without due care and attention. He had no previous convictions.

The court was told that on the afternoon February 4, he drove onto the Dungannon to Coalisland Road causing a three vehicle collision.

When police arrived at the scene they noted there was a strong smell of alcohol from Armstrong’s breath, his speech was slurred and he was struggling to stand.

He provided an evidential breath sample that recorded an alcohol reading of 117 micrograms, 82mgs in excess of the legal limit.

Defence solicitor Niall McGuinness said his client had been driving for over 30 years without any prior convictions. He added that the defendant called to a friend’s house at lunchtime and had lunch and a “considerable amount of wine”.

Mr McGuinness stated, “He made the very foolish decision to drive and only lives a mile and a half away. He deeply regrets his actions and apologises to the court and everyone concerned.”

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said Armstrong was entitled to credit for his ‘guilty’ pleas and previous clear record.

Addressing the defendant, the District Judge added, “That alcohol reading is grossly excessive.

“Luckily no-one was injured. I am not sure how you could drive at all with that reading. The custody threshold is just about not open in this case. You are lucky you entered guilty pleas.”

Armstrong will remain disqualified until re-tested. He is eligible for the drink-driver course which on completion will reduce the disqualification by a quarter.