Seamus MacElhone, 67, from Mullagh Court in Maghera, received a three-year driving ban at Magherafelt Magistrates Court for driving with excess alcohol in his breath.

The incident occurred on Main Street in Maghera on May 10. MacElhone also faced a charge of driving without due care and attention.

District Judge Conor Heaney imposed the ban. The court fined MacElhone £250 plus a £15 offender's levy for the drink driving offence and £150 for careless driving.

The case had been heard in MacElhone's absence at a prior hearing and adjourned for his appearance. A defence lawyer stated MacElhone missed the earlier date due to flu recovery.

The lawyer noted MacElhone's limited record and recent start on diazepam medication. Judge Heaney recorded MacElhone's prior similar conviction from 2015.