An Enniskillen man has been fined and banned from driving after he was found over the legal drink driving.
Damien Flanagan (51) of Floraville appeared before Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday to face the charge.
The court heard that on July 17th, police received information about a suspected drink driver and stopped a vehicle being driven by Flanagan on Queen Street in Enniskillen. When police spoke to the driver, they detected a smell of intoxicating liquor. The defendant was conveyed to Enniskillen Police Station where a blood sample was taken. Forensic analysis of the submitted sample revealed a reading of 91 milligrammes of alcohol in 100ml of blood, a total of 11 milligrammes over the legal blood limit. Flanagan was charged with drink driving and when questioned, he admitted having consumed one pint.
Deputy District Judge Peter King noted that the reading showed a “marginal amount”.
Defence solicitor Niall Bogue said his client had been out for Sunday lunch and had one pint.
“He felt that it was OK to drive but the decision that he took was the wrong one and one that he now regrets.
Mr Bogue added that his client works for the council and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
Judge King said it was “hugely regrettable” that Flanagan found himself in court at this stage in his life and career, given his hitherto clear record.
Flanagan was fined £250 and disqualified from for 12 months.
The judge took the opportunity to warn drivers of the risks of drink driving, adding that they should expect an increased PSNI focus on drink drivers in the run-up to Christmas.
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