Enniskillen Magistrates Court
A 61-year-old man was caught driving home at over twice the legal alcohol limit because he said he couldn’t get a taxi.
Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday that at 1.55am on October 2nd this year, police on mobile patrol observed Joseph Deery behind the wheel of a car at Main Street in Belleek. The car was parked at the time but then drove off in the direction of Boa Island Road. Police were concerned about the nature of Deery’s driving and stopped his car. The defendant failed a roadside breath test and was taken to Enniskillen Police Station where he returned an evidential reading of 78mg of alcohol.
Deery, of Meenatully Road, Tawnaghgorm, Belleek, was charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath.
Defence solicitor Garry Smyth said his client, a civil engineer, had no previous convictions and was coming before the court with a completely clear record.
He added: “On the evening in question it was the defendant’s intention to take a taxi home but after extensive enquiries, none was available. He made a foolish decision to drive home. This incident causes him significant embarrassment and difficulties as he lives in a rural setting. Any loss of his licence would impact on his employability.”
District Judge Nigel Broderick said he would give Deery credit for his early plea and clear record but added that an aggravating factor in the case was the high reading.
Deery was fined £315 and disqualified from driving for 14 months, until retested. He was also certified for the drink driving course.
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