Driver admitted taking drugs

Michael Ardis (23), Moygannon Lane, Donaghcloney, was banned from driving for 16 months last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

He was also fined £300 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy for driving while unfit on January 4 this year. The court heard that at around 3am police saw a car being driven at about 20mph in a 40mph zone on the Castlewellan Road, Banbridge.

It veered across the road and when police stopped it they noticed the smell of cannabis in the car.

The defendant’s speech was slurred and his pupils dilated. Ardis admitted he had been smoking cannabis two hours previously.

His solicitor said he came from an excellent background and had never been in trouble before. He had been at the Coach Inn with a few friends.

The solicitor added that Ardis was remorseful at what had happened. District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said this was ‘extremely irresponsible and reckless’ behaviour.