Stuart Francis, 35, from Manse Road in Carrowdore, received a one-year driving ban at Ards Magistrates' Court. The ban followed an incident on February 4 at Helen's Bay where police detected him driving with a breath alcohol reading of 82 micrograms per 100ml. The legal limit stands at 35 micrograms per 100ml.

Francis consumed Buckfast before driving. He holds a prior record. His defence lawyer noted that he plans to seek addiction help and has relocated to distance himself from negative influences.

The court imposed a £200 fine alongside the ban.