A 58-year-old man has been fined £350 and banned from driving for 12 months after pleading guilty to driving with excess alcohol in Lurgan.

Michael Delaney of Clanrolla Park, Craigavon, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Monday.

The court heard police were on patrol in Church Place, Lurgan, on July 31 when they were approached by a delivery driver who raised concerns about a motorist parked outside the Burger Stop.

When officers approached the vehicle, they saw a litre bottle of vodka on the passenger seat and noticed a strong smell of liquor from Delaney, who was slurring his speech.

After his arrest, Delaney provided an evidential breath sample of 137 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Defence barrister Ciara Ennis said Delaney had consumed alcohol before driving but continued to drink after stopping the car. She said that while it was a high reading, part of it may have been from after he had driven.

Ms Ennis told the court Delaney is a full-time carer for his mother and has struggled with his mental health. She said he has no previous convictions and had not driven since the incident.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan noted Delaney's clear criminal record and said he had read references in support. He fined Delaney £350 plus a £15 offender levy and imposed a 12-month driving ban.