A 26-year-old man has received a suspended sentence after being caught driving under the influence on the M2 motorway near Antrim. Marian Vasile, from Kilburn Street in Belfast, was detected exceeding the legal alcohol limit during a routine check on November 2, 2023.
At Antrim Magistrates Court, Vasile had a breath alcohol reading of 47 micrograms per litre, surpassing the legal limit of 35 micrograms. The court proceedings, held in Ballymena on November 25, required the assistance of a Romanian language interpreter to facilitate communication.
During the hearing, Vasile expressed remorse, stating he did not realize he was over the limit. District Judge Nigel Broderick described the offence as “serious,” particularly due to the risks associated with driving on a motorway while under the influence of alcohol.
In light of Vasile’s guilty plea and his previously clean driving record, Judge Broderick imposed a three-month jail term, which is suspended for 15 months. Additionally, Vasile received a driving ban for the same duration and was fined £100.
This case underscores the legal ramifications of driving with excess alcohol, especially on high-speed roads like motorways, where the potential for accidents is significantly heightened. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible driving to ensure public safety on the roads.
