Man with 175 convictions to his name 'crossed into opposite lane on dual carriageway and narrowly missed police car'

Michael Eugene Kelly (50), of Cairngorm Drive in Larne, is charged with dangerous driving on the Belfast Road dual carriageway near Larne and failing to provide a specimen of blood on Sunday, October 18 this year.

At 12.15pm police were travelling at 60mph on the dual-carriageway near Millbrook Roundabout going towards Larne.

A Vauxhall Mokka travelling in the opposite direction "mounted the grass verge which separates the opposing lanes. It then proceeded onto the oncoming lane of traffic and the police vehicle swerved to avoid any collision. Both vehicles did stop without any impact".

The defendant appeared to be "under the influence," having a "distant gaze, pale complexion, clammy skin and an inability to communicate effectively as he grunted incoherently when spoken to".

He provided a preliminary breath test which was zero.

Given his presentation he was arrested and when taken to a police station he refused to give a blood sample.

The court was told the suspicion is that it is a "drug driving" case.

He had 175 convictions including 32 for road traffic offences.

A defence solicitor said the defendant hit a kerb which caused him to lose control.

The solicitor said a bag with two grammes of white powder found by police "is methadone".

The defendant was given £500 bail with a condition that he is not to be in the front of any private vehicle.

The accused was at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday and the case was adjourned to December 10.