Driver crashed into lamppost

Raymond John Jess (63), Leapoges Road, Dromara, was banned from driving for 18 months last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

He was also fined £250 for driving with excess alcohol in breath on December 27 last year and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

If he completes a course for drink driving his ban would be reduced by 25 per cent.

The court heard that at 2.55am police saw a car at Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough. It had hit a lamppost and small traffic island and there was damage to the front of the vehicle.

Jess was located a short distance away and an evidential test gave a reading of 64. He had no previous convictions.

A barrister representing the defendant said he regretted his actions on this night and was remorseful.

She added that Jess waited 20 minutes at the scene and neither he nor his partner, who was in the car, had a mobile phone. He was walking along the road to get help.

District Judge John Meehan said he would take into account the defendant’s early plea and clear record but there were aggravating features in that there was a crash and the car was carrying a passenger.