A disqualified driver “took a chance” and drove after consuming alcohol while a prospective buyer for his car went on a test run, Enniskillen Magistrates Court has heard.

Gerard Augustine Quaile, from Creamery Close, Florencecourt, drove while disqualified and after consuming excess alcohol and also had no insurance.

Patrol

Police on patrol in the vicinity of Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen stopped him during a routine check and an odour of alcohol was detected.

He failed a preliminary breath test and was arrested.

While in custody he provided an evidential breath specimen which returned a reading of 47mcg of alcohol – 12mcg in excess of the legal limit.

At court, a defence solicitor explained his client admitted the offences from the outset and co-operated fully with police.

He said Quaile owned a Mini car which he brought to a potential purchaser who decided to take it for a test drive.

In the meantime, Quaile consumed some alcohol and “that’s when the problem started”.

“He took a chance, which he accepts was a very silly decision on his part, and it was when on his way home he was stopped by police,” the solicitor said.

Conceded

It was conceded Quaile was handed a two-year disqualification in October, 2022, also for drink-driving.

“Apart from this, he may well have reached the end of that disqualification, but that’s more or less wishful thinking,” said the defence.

District Judge Alana McSorley noted: “This is the second conviction for driving with excess alcohol within the period of 10 years, which brings a minimum three-year disqualification.”

Judge McSorley also imposed fines totalling £550.