Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DUP man admits drink-driving rap
Former mayor Hogg gets 12-month ban
A DUP councillor has admitted drinkdriving and been disqualified for 12 months.
Former Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Thomas Hogg got behind the wheel in an “act of kindness” to help a stranded friend, his lawyer said.
The councillor was also fined £250 after pleading guilty to driving with excess alcohol at his first appearance before Belfast Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
The 30-year-old was stopped by police on the city’s Crumlin Road on April 29 this year.
A prosecution lawyer said officers had noticed his car weaving over the road.
A breath sample showed he was more than two times over the legal limit.
The representative, of Brae Hill Park, North Belfast, stood head bowed in the dock as the charge was accepted. Defence solicitor Keith Gamble said his client feels “shame and remorse” over his actions.
Mr Gamble told the court Hogg had been drinking at a barbecue before going to bed.
The lawyer said: “A few hours later he got a phone call from a friend in some level of distress, saying they were stranded in town, couldn’t get a taxi and were concerned about their safety.” Mr Gamble said that “what had otherwise been an act of kindness” ended with the drinkdriving charge.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall imposed the 12-month driving ban, fine and a £15 levy. A DUP spokesman said: “The party is aware of the judgment. Thomas Hogg has been suspended from the party.”