Man was too drunk to remember car incident

Ryan James McAlinden (20), of Princes Street was placed on probation on charges of attempting to take a motorvehicle without the owner's consent and theft (namely a CD).

Thursday's sitting of Craigavon Magistrates Court was told police had been called to a report of a vehicle being taken.

The defendant was sitting in the Renault Clio and he said the car belonged to a friend but when police spoke to the owners they did not know him.

During interview the defendant said he did not remember the incident due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed.

There was no damage to the vehicle.

The defending solicitor said the car had not been locked.

He said his client was on Jobseekers and DLA. He is deaf in one ear and uses a hearing aid.

The solicitor added McAlinden hopes to start a wooden flooring business.

McAlinden, he said, had very little recollection of the incident and accepted he should not have done it.

The solicitor said it was a 'technical' case and he had not attempted to start the car.

McAlinden, the solicitor added, accepted he was 'drunk and stupid'.

A probation report was before the court and the district judge said he would impose a combination order to address McAlinden's alcohol problem. The district judge said: "If you are getting so drunk you cannot recall your actions you will be before the courts again."

He placed McAlinden on probation for 12 months with the condition he participates in the managing alcohol programme.

He also gave McAlinden 60 hours community service.