Mayo man sentenced for exceeding alcohol limit while in charge of a vehicle

Michael Cleary (37) of Loughmass, Mayo was charged after police observed a van parked outside a business in Strathfoyle on April 20.

Police spoke to Cleary, who was the driver, and his brother.

Upon searching the vehicle, police found empty beer bottles and a small amount of Class A drugs in the driver's side.

Cleary and his brother told them that they were camping in the van and both were arrested, with Cleary giving a breath reading of 42mgs.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said the brothers had driven to Derry from Mayo and had rucksacks in the back of the van with the intention of sleeping there that night before going home the following day.

He described Cleary as 'an unemployed mechanic' who has been driving for 15 years with 'no blemishes' on his record.

He also said that the Class A drugs simply 'a trace amount' only for personal use.

Cleary was ordered to pay £300 in fines and given ten penalty points.