Judge issues warning over illegal use of e-scooters in Derry
Tony McCleland (40) of Creggan Street in Derry was charged with the offences that occurred on July 31 this year
A judge has warned that the public must realise if they are using e-scooters then they will be subject to normal driving laws.
The comments came in a case involving a man who was appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with driving with no license or insurance and driving with excess alcohol in his breath.
Tony McCleland (40) of Creggan Street in Derry was charged with the offences that occurred on July 31 this year after being spotted by police while they were out on patrol.
When tested, McCleland was going to have a reading of 94mgs almost three times the legal limit and to have no license and insurance for the vehicle.
Defence Barrister Sinead Rogan said that McCleland has a relevant record of driving offences, including drink driving but added that it was a 'very small scooter'.
She described the incident as a 'misunderstanding' due to the defendant not being aware of the law as regards e-scooters.
Deputy District Judge Brian Archer said that 'more and more' of these types of cases were coming before the court and he disqualified the defendant from driving for three years and fined him £400.