A COOKSTOWN man described as a “singer, songwriter and artist” has admitted a number of motoring offences, including driving the wrong way along the M1 near Dungannon, while drunk.
Jim McKee (45) now of Brewery Lane, Donaghmore, but until recently living in Co Clare for the last 10 years, appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court.
He was apprehended around 6am on September 21 after police received a number of reports of a black jeep travelling the wrong direction.
His vehicle was located parked on the hard shoulder, with the engine warm and the keys in the ignition.
McKee was asleep in the driver’s seat. On being woken officers noted a strong smell of alcohol and a roadside breath test was failed.
He was arrested and while being taken to custody said: “I was so drunk I didn’t realise. At least I didn’t hurt anybody.”
A defence barrister said his client fully admitted his actions for which he is “deeply ashamed”.
It was also accepted a driver on the motorway at the time had to take evasive action due to McKee’s behaviour.
His lawyer explained that McKee had been playing a gig in Moy and had gone back with friends for a few drinks where he intended to spend the night. However he received a phone call from his partner in the early hours of the morning voicing concerns about their one year-old child.
He then made the “inexcusable decision” to drive to Donaghmore and ended up taking a wrong exit at a roundabout bringing him on to the motorway.
The court heard that McKee had a string of previous convictions which included taking and driving way in 1992; drink driving in 2000; refusing to provide a specimen of breath, assault and drink driving in 2001, and a further drink driving in 2002 for which there was a disqualification of four years.
He was released pending pre-sentence reports and will return on November 27 for sentencing.
