Greysteel man was over three times the legal limit

A Greysteel man who was caught behind the wheel of a car while just over three times the legal limit has been banned from the road for 20 months.

Appearing before Limavady Magistrates' Court via video link from custody earlier this morning was Geoffrey O'Kane, of Sheskin Road.

The 59 year-old was charged with driving with excess alcohol and taking a motor vehicle without authority on August 17.

The court was told that O'Kane has been in custody since his arrest following the incident last month.

The court heard that O'Kane's wife called police and stated that the defendant had taken her car keys and had driven off from the family home. She stated that she suspected her husband was under the influence of alcohol.

Police stopped O'Kane in the Clooney Road area 45 minutes later.

He was arrested and conveyed to the custody suite after failing a preliminary breath test, the court heard.

When in custody, the defendant provided a sample of breath which returned a reading of 109mg – just over three times the legal limit.

O'Kane's barrister Grant Powles said his client had no criminal record prior to the offences and was of previous good character.

“He is remorseful about what he has done,” added the barrister.

In addition to the 20 month disqualification, District Judge Peter King sentenced O'Kane to one week in custody and fined him £250.

“Do not drive while you are disqualified, that will cause more difficulties,” the judge warned O'Kane before releasing him from custody.