Man told police he wanted ‘to go to prison for a while’

Anthony Dornan from Lavinia Square, Belfast appeared in the dock last Thursday morning, when Judge Copeland ordered a pre-sentence report and ordered him to return to court on 8 January.

The court heard how on 13 October at 1.18am, police observed an Audi doing a three point turn at Ballyroney Road, Rathfriland.

Officers spoke to him and immediately smelled intoxicating liquor and noted his eyes were bloodshot.

After proving positive for a roadside test, he was arrested and taken to the station.

Dornan admitted the offences and said he was sorry adding that he “wanted to go to prison for a while.”

He said he didn’t have permission to take the car from his partner.

Solicitor Mr Byrne said his client had been disqualified for six years at Laganside Court.

He said his client was due to start a probation period for a job at Ulster Bank and would have difficulty attending the next court hearing.

Judge Copeland said, “”He has convictions for fraud amongst his 70 convictions and you tell me he is to start working in a bank.”

Warning him about his impending court date Mr Copeland said, “If you fail to appear in court on 8 January you will be arrested and held in custody.”

Asked why he was in the local area at the time of detection, Mr Byrne said his client had been staying with his partner at a local B&B.

He left after an argument and was only 100 yards down the road when he decided to turn and come back.

He was released on bail of £500.