An Irvinestown man has been disqualified from driving after he was found to be almost three times over the legal limit.

Brendan Breen (44), with an address of Sallys Wood, Irvinestown was convicted of driving with excess alcohol in his breath following an incident on February 23, 2020.

At around 11.50pm police on mobile patrol in the town observed a Vauxhall Astra on the Brownhill Link Road as it drove towards Irvinestown. It continued on Mill Street before stopping close to Sallys Wood.

When officers approached the car and spoke to the driver they found that he was slurring his speech and was struggling to keep his eyes open.

Breen failed a preliminary breath test while an evidential reading came back at 104mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Breen's solicitor, Tommy Owens, told the court on the evening in question, Breen had came home from work before heading to his girlfriend's house where he had a few drinks. He also pointed out that his client was on medication at the time which may have had an impact on the reading.

Mr. Owens said Breen had intended to walk home but noticed people standing around his car so he decided to drive home.

He also asked the court to take into account Breen's early plea.

District Judge Steven Keown disqualified Breen for 16 months and handed him a £250 fine. He also certified the 44 year old for the drink drivers course.