Shawn Compier contests driving charge after alleged excess alcohol incident on private property

A 20-year-old man is to contest a charge of driving after consuming excess alcohol, a court has heard.

Shawn Compier, of Glen Macha, Armagh, is accused of committing the offence on the Drumsavage Road in Collone on July 8.

The case was before Armagh Magistrates' Court for review, where it was confirmed that the allegation remains denied and is due to proceed to a contested hearing later this year.

A defence barrister previously outlined the basis of the challenge, arguing that the location where the vehicle was detected was private property. The issue is considered significant as road traffic legislation generally applies to roads and public places, meaning the precise status of the location may be relevant in determining the case.

The court heard that police have already accepted there is an area of private ground in the vicinity of the alleged offence. However, it has not yet been established whether the stretch of road where Compier was detected falls within that private area.

As a result, the exact location of the alleged offence remains a matter of dispute between the prosecution and defence. The contested hearing is expected to focus on that issue, with the court likely to hear evidence relating to the status and ownership of the land in question.

No details of the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident were outlined during the latest court appearance, and no findings have been made regarding the charge.

Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy remanded Compier on continuing bail.

The case is scheduled to return to Armagh Magistrates' Court on November 3 for a contested hearing, when the court will consider the evidence and arguments from both prosecution and defence before reaching a determination on the matter.

Compier remains presumed innocent unless and until the charge is proven.