Brexit plays part in Ballymoney man being over drink drive limit

by Q Radio News

BREXIT possibly played a part in a man ending up over the drink drive limit, a defence solicitor told Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday.

Keith John Houston (53), of Kirk Road near Ballymoney in County Antrim, was detected with excess alcohol in his breath on the night of December 12 last year.

At court he pleaded guilty to the offence which came to light in Coleraine town centre.

Defence solicitor Moira Laverty said the detection came as police carried out a routine stop and there was nothing about the nature of her client's driving which brought him to PSNI attention.

The court heard police smelt intoxicating liquor from the defendant.

Ms Laverty said the defendant was on his way to start work at 10pm and beforehand had been watching the Brexit debate "which perhaps drove him to have a second glass of wine".

She said the defendant had felt fine to drive and after being released by police he was able to go to his shift work.

Deputy District Judge Peter Magill said it was a shame somebody with a previously clear record was in court.

He noted the defendant thought he was ok to drive and added: "It just shows you, you can't take a chance".

The defendant was banned from driving for a year and fined £250.