Was '˜about half a pint' over the limit

Alvan Gates, Ballybay Meadows, Portadown, admitted the offence which happened on February 28 this year. He was fined £250, ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy and banned from driving for 12 months. For not having insurance he was fined £200 and disqualified for 12 months.

The court heard that at 7.50pm police saw a van cross the white line in Woodhouse Street. They stopped it on High Street and noticed the smell of alcohol from the defendant.

An evidential test gave a reading of 41 in breath and a blood sample was taken which gave a reading of 82 – the limit is 80.

Mr Richard Monteith said his client had a clear record.

He said Gates was a joiner and had been working at a public house and the barman set up a couple of pints. Referring to the insurance he said Gates had been short for the direct debit and the policy was cancelled but he had not received notice of that.