A Co Derry man who was said by his solicitor to be looking forward to going to jail had his wish granted at Cookstown Magistrate's court yesterday. Martin Lawrence Bell (34), unemployed, of Rockview Park, Moneymore, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on charges of driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified and assaulting the police.
Mr Liam McNally, defending solicitor, told the court Mr Bell had a drink problem and he was hoping to get off the addiction by serving a term of imprisonment.
"He is a very civil man when sober but loses control of himself when he takes alcohol," added Mr McNally.
In the excess alcohol case the court heart Mr Bell had attempted to drink from a bottle of wine in his car after it had been stopped by the police.
Mr Bell was banned from driving for seven years.