Derry Court: Disqualification for Donegal driver charged with excess alcohol

When police received a report of a car in the middle of the Bay Road with the driver apparently sleeping they found a Buncrana man with alcohol taken Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Noel McLaughlin (24) of the Meadows in Buncrana, County Donegal appeared charged with having excess alcohol on April 17.

The court heard that police received a report of the vehicle sitting in the Bay Road with the lights on. 

The reporting person said they had approached the vehicle and the driver appeared to be sleeping. 

Police attended and saw the vehicle and an evidential breath test revealed a reading of 64mgs with 35mgs being the legal limit.

The defendant said that he had made a stupid decision. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client had no record and on the night had 'foolishly' responded to a report of something wrong at a business premises.

He said that he had drink taken and promptly fell asleep. 

The solicitor said that a driving ban would cause 'considerable difficulties' for his client.

McLaughlin was disqualified for 12 months and fined £150.