A Portadown man who was detected over the limit whilst trying to drive a car with just three wheels has been handed a 12 month ban.
Court heard the 51-year-old had made the decision to drive home after falling out with a friend at a party in Richhill.
Andras Liptah, of Church Street, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on September 11, at 8.20pm, police received a report of a male trying to drive a car with three wheels on the roundabout on the Armagh Road in Portadown.
Officers arrived and spoke to the defendant who stepped out of the red Suzuki vehicle. It was noted that he smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet.
Police conducted a preliminary breath test which resulted in a fail and Liptah was subsequently arrested.
Whilst in custody, the defendant told police: “I am sorry, I was at a party in Richhill with my son and my friends.
“I fell out with my friend, got in my car and drove.”
An evidential sample of Liptah’s breath was obtained and gave a reading of 82mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
Defence barrister Damien Halloran stated: “Mr Liptah has been here for the last 13 years. He works full time as a welder. He started drinking due to family problems back in Hungary.
“He knows that it is inevitable but his licence is essential to him getting to and from work. I ask that your worship consider certifying him for the drink driving course.”
Liptah was disqualified from driving for 12 months and was ordered to pay a fine £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
He was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced to one of nine months upon completion.
