Armagh man John Eugene Burns gets 4-month custodial sentence for driving offences

THERE has been a four month period of custody handed down in the case of an Armagh man who appeared before Newry Magistrates court charged with several offences.

Appearing in the dock was John Eugene Burns (67) of with an address give as Corrigan Court Irish Street Armagh.

Burns faced counts of obstructing police, disorderly behaviour , using a motor vehicle without insurance, driving while disqualified and driving with excess alcohol in his breath all dating back to June 14 of this year.

More specifically the court heard how at 11.30pm on this date police had their attention drawn to a Silver Nissan Micra being driven within the vicinity of the Silverbridge Road Newry.

Police watched as the vehicle turned into a residential yard before the driver, the defendant, Burns exited the car. The court heard how police could tell Burns was under the influence of alcohol with the 67 year old stumbling, smelling of alcohol, having dilated pupils and slurring his speech.

Upon being approached by officers Burns became agitated shouting and swearing loudly within the garden of a residential premises.

He continued with this outburst in spite of being warned by officers to desist with his behaviour, whilst also refusing to give his name to officers.

The 67 year old would only acquiesce to disclosing his name when additional police units arrived but would not engage with police beyond this.

Checks on the Nissan would show that it was registered to a female. He was then arrested.

He was then arrested. Whilst in custody Burns would make to officers a comment of "sorry about that it sure it was only a few drinks.

"Addressing the court a defence solicitor would describe Burns as someone who had "long standing addiction issues.""

“He has long standing addiction issues and continues to battle these. He has been alcohol free for two months. This is not a long period of time but it is an achievement for Mr Burns and he appears before the court cogent. Having said that this does not excuse a refusal to adhere to road traffic legislation."

Addressing Burns directly District Judge O'Hare stated that although everything had been said on behalf of him that could be said, in Judge O'Hare's own words "Driving whilst disqualified is a difficult if not impossible charge to defend"

"Everything that has been said on your behalf has been said. You have an atrocious record of driving whilst disqualified. This is a very difficult if not impossible charge to defend. You were disqualified and there is no earthly reason why you should be behind the wheel of a car. No reason until the disqualification expires, you get insurance and a licence. You don't need a course to tell you this. You are living your best life yourself without any other thought of road traffic users"

Disposing of the case Judge O'Hare would impose upon Burns a 4 month immediate custodial sentence for the offences he faced before the court as well as imposing a fine of £250.00. Burns was subsequently bailed pending appeal to this sentence.