Drink driving offence detected after police see car without headlights illuminated

By The Newsroom
Published 15th Nov 2023, 15:09 BST
Updated 15th Nov 2023, 15:10 BST
The case was heard at Ballymena Magistrates Court. Picture by: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker PressThe case was heard at Ballymena Magistrates Court. Picture by: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
The case was heard at Ballymena Magistrates Court. Picture by: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
Police spotted a car being used without headlights illuminated at 12.30am on October 15 this year in Ballymena town centre and then a drink driving offence was detected.

Florin Birtas (32), of Balmoral Avenue in Ballymena, had an alcohol in breath reading of 48 - the legal limit is 35.

A defence solicitor told Ballymena Magistrates Court the defendant had a relevant record. The lawyer said his client had "a couple of beers" at a pub and afterwards "thought he was ok to drive home".

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Deputy District Judge Browne banned the defendant from driving for three years along with a £500 fine and added that with the previous record Birtas "knows very well what the consequences are both for himself and potentially for other people".