Driver who admitted having a' few drinks' before vehicles were damaged sentenced
A man has been fined more than £500 and disqualified from driving at Derry Magistrate's Court for a series of driving offences.
Jason Quinn (37) of Windridge Drive in Derry admitted driving with excess alcohol and other charges on June 28.
Police were called to a report of vehicles being damaged in Abercorn Road and it was suspected the driver was under the influence. Quinn was observed beside a vehicle and then trying to drive away but failed, before making off on foot.
Police stopped Quinn and he failed a preliminary breath test. An evidential reading of 96mgs was given, nearly three times the legal limit.
He was asked if he had taken alcohol and replied he had had 'a few drinks'.
Defence counsel Adam Laird said his client realised that the minimum penalty was not appropriate in this case.
He added that damage to other vehicles was also an aggravating feature.
The barrister said that his client had made 'a poor error of judgement'.
District Judge Conor Heaney said he couldn't get past the high reading in the case.
He said the poor decision making in this case would impact on Quinn's life.
Quinn was fined £525 and disqualified for 18 months.