A TEENAGER in Co Tyrone has appeared in court for multiple offences after smashing his car into a solicitor's office while drunk, causing almost £55,000 in damage.
Conrad McKenna (18), of Aughintober Road, Dungannon, accepted a total of nine offences including dangerous driving and with excess alcohol, no insurance and failing to stop and remain at the scene of a collision.
The incident occurred in Dungannon town centre on August 24 last year – one week after McKenna turned 18.
Dungannon Magistrates Court heard police were patrolling the area shortly before midnight, when they observed an Audi car with significant frontal damage.
A large amount of fuel was flowing from the vehicle which proceeded to drive through a red traffic light without stopping.
Officers followed and having stopped the car, noticed the airbags had deployed.
Heavily intoxicated
McKenna was found to be heavily intoxicated, and after caution he swore and replied: "I'm blocked."
He was arrested and while in custody provided a breath specimen of 71mcg – over twice the legal limit.
Police traced the fluid back to the scene of the collision – a solicitor's office on Irish Street, Dungannon.
The building was substantially damaged with repairs totalling £54,648.
During interview McKenna admitted consuming a lot of alcohol before driving. He said he knew he was supposed to stop after colliding with the building but "couldn't remember his obligations at the time".
He also "thought he was insured".
District Judge John Meehan halted the case at this point, ruling that pre-sentence reports were required.
He imposed "a long overdue interim driving ban" in the meantime and ordered McKenna to attend for sentencing on January 25.
