Drunk and in charge of bike

Twenty four year old Rory Woods, of Thomas Street, Portadown, admitted drunk in charge of a purple mini motorcycle and not having insurance on July 22.

For each offence he was fined £50 and banned from driving for seven days. He was also ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that in Thomas Street police saw the defendant sitting on the bike and revving the engine.

He was arrested for suspected drunk in charge and a breath test gave a reading of 52.

Mr Joe McDonald, representing the defendant, said the bike belonged to a neighbour of Woods and who phoned him and told him to come and see what he had bought.

He added that Woods did not ride the machine on the road. His friend had told him he would never be able to sit on it but when he did sit on it the police arrived and he was arrested.

Mr McDonald said his client thought it was a toy and did not realise insurance was needed. He had taken a couple of pints earlier in the day.

He urged the judge that in the circumstances and the type of vehicle involved would he impose a short period of disqualification.

Imposing the seven day ban District Judge, Mr Alan White, said it was an unusual case.