A north Belfast man faces sentencing for causing the death of a 70-year-old pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol.

John Taggart, 36, of Torrens Link, hit Paul Marshall after mounting a traffic island at the Millfield junction near Belfast city centre in September 2024. Marshall died in hospital one week later.

Taggart pleaded guilty last year to causing death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol. Tests showed he was three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

The court heard Taggart had been drinking until 4.30am on the day of the incident and began his driving shift at 7.30am. Video evidence showed him consuming alcohol from a bottle before the 5.35pm collision.

His defence counsel stated that Taggart accepted his behaviour was terrible and expressed sorrow and contrition.

Judge Neil Rafferty KC indicated a prison sentence would be imposed at the hearing on Friday. He did not remand Taggart in custody, extending bail because his partner was in labour, allowing him what the judge described as limited mercy to be present for the birth.