Disqualified driver took car to get medicine for child

Stanley Forsythe (45), of River View, Moneymore, was also given a five-month jail sentence, suspended for three years, for driving while disqualified, having no insurance, and taking the vehicle without authority.

District Judge Alan White said custody was the starting point for such offences, but he took into account that Forsythe was working and seemed to be addressing his alcohol problem.

Mr White warned the defendant that if he reoffended in the next three years “it’s inevitable what will happen to you.”

The court heard that at 1.30pm on April 15 last, police received a report from the victim that the defendant had taken her vehicle without permission.

A PPS lawyer said the defendant was stopped in the vehicle at Bridger Street, Moneymore, at 4.30pm and was arrested for being a disqualified driver.

She said he made no comment in relation to the offences, but said he was going to Magherafelt to buy medicine.

A defence lawyer explained the defendant felt his son needed medicine and he took him in the car to Magherafelt intending to return it to his estranged wife as quickly as possible.

He said Forysthe’s record was due to his alcohol problem which he has been battling for a year now and he “greatly regrets the incident”.