Man couldn’t get taxi ‘for love nor money’

Haulage contractor Derek McDaid from Tirkane Road, Maghera, was also fined £250 with a £15 offender levy on a charge of driving while having consumed excess alcohol.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan certified the 35-year-old suitable for the drink-driving awareness course which, if successfully completed, could entitle him to a 25 per cent reduction in his period of disqualification.

Prosecution counsel said at 1.25am on August 30 police saw the defendant and a female leave premises at Main Street in the village and drive off toward Gulladuff Road.

She said police followed and observed the vehicle swerve towards the middle of lane on a number of occasions. They signalled for the vehicle to stop and spoke to the defendant who admitted he had been driving.

She said he later provided a specimen of breath which showed an alcohol reading of 56mgs.

Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton asked the court to give the defendant credit for his early plea to the offence.

Mr Atherton said McDaid had intended leaving the car in Bellaghy but “for love nor money” could not get a taxi. He said the defendant has his own haulage business with three vehicles on the road and his action placed in jeopardy his livelihood and that of his employees.

He added that the defendant has a 17-year clear record.