Pensioner guilty '¨of drink driving

William Slater (78), of Culmore Point, admitted driving whilst unfit on November 17, 2015.

Police were called to the scene of an accident by ambulance staff who were treating Mr Slater after a one-vehicle collision at a grass verge on the Culmore Road.

His speech was slurred and a blood test gave a reading of 274mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, more than three times the legal limit.

A defence solicitor said her client was “in a very dark place at this time” as it was the anniversary of his brother’s murder.

She added Slater has a clear record and licence and was extremely remorseful.

Disqualifying the pensioner, District Judge Barney McElholm said it was a very high reading and fined him £50.