Brocagh man drove 700 yards while drunk - to buy cigarettes

The court heard how police were called to the Ranfurly Service Station in Dungannon in the early hours of May 7 after staff removed the car keys to a BMW from Damien McKiver, 27, from Drumhubbert Road - a suspected drink driver.

Police noted that there was blood on both doors to the car.

They subsequently found the defendant, the registered owner, walking nearby.

He had a cut on his hand.

Mr Jarlath Faloon, defending, told the court that his client, a forklift driver, had left his girlfriend’s house to go to the garage for cigarettes, a journey of around 700 yards.

He stated that his client had never been to court before.

In addition to the 20 month driving ban, District Judge John Meehan handed down fines totalling £300.