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Man who attempted to open parked vehicle whilst under the influence fined £150

Defence admitted his client had 'issues with drugs and alcohol' but informed court a recent period at Bluestone has 'helped significantly'

Newry Courthouse

A Newry man who attempted to open a parked car whilst under the influence of alcohol has been fined £150.

The 37-year-old’s solicitor admitted that his client had “issues with drugs and alcohol”.

But he informed court a recent period at the Bluestone clinic in Craigavon Area Hospital has “helped significantly”.

John Martin Gray, of Nursery Drive, pleaded guilty to tampering with a motor vehicle at the city’s Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecution outlined that on September 9, at around 8.30pm, a male on Helens Terrace in Newry pulled at the handle of a parked vehicle.

When challenged about this by a member of the public, he then became aggressive.

The male was subsequently identified by police as the defendant.

Following his arrest Gray was interviewed during which he made no comment.

The defendant did divulge to police that he could “not remember much” as he had consumed alcohol.

Defence solicitor John Rocks pointed to a “significant gap” in Gray’s offending with the last entry on his record dating back to 2010.

He admitted that his client had “issues with drugs and alcohol” but informed court a recent period at the Bluestone clinic in Craigavon Area Hospital has “helped significantly”.

District Judge Eamonn King ordered the defendant to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15.

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