At Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday, a 62-year-old man has pleaded guilty to 12 charges following a chaotic hit-and-run incident in March this year.
The charges against Mr Harold Mooney from Carnmoon View Liscolman, Ballymoney, are extensive, including driving with excess alcohol in his breath, failing to stop at an accident, failing to report, failing to provide, aggravated vehicle taking, using a vehicle without insurance, no driving licence and dangerous driving.
The incident unfolded when police were alerted to a hit-and-run at Roddens Foot in Ballymoney and the nearby Route Service Station.
A witness recounted a white Ford Transit Connect van driven by Mooney colliding with a parked car at Roddens Foot and subsequently striking another vehicle multiple times at the service station. The van, driven erratically, attempted to enter via the exit at the service station , with the driver visibly intoxicated.
Police later discovered the defendant hiding in hedges at a property nearby, in posession of a bottle of whiskey.
Following a failed peliminary breat test, the defendant was arrested and an evidentiary breathalyser test revealed a reading of 109 micrograms per 100 millilitres—far exceeding the legal limit. Victims of the incident are claiming compensation amounts of £700 and £450.
Defense solicitor, Mr. Sam Barr, stated that his client could not explain why he took the vehicle that day. He informed the court that his client suffers from significant spinal pain, which had forced him to quit his job. This pain also led to sleep difficulties, causing the defendant to drink excessively on weekends. Mr. Barr explained that on that particular day, the defendant had planned to do some power washing at home, but his pain prevented him from completing the task. Instead, he decided to go for a walk and discovered a van with the keys still in the ignition. The defendant chose to drive the vehicle to Ballymoney but has no recollection of the incident.
The first the defendant became aware of the situation was when it was mentioned to him at the police station. Mr Barr, after warchibg the video, described the accident as having the “lowest impact” he had ever seen.
The injured party was pulling out of a service station and turning left when the defendant entered through the exit, striking the injured party’s vehicle and causing damage. The defendant then attempted to reverse, hitting the vehicle several more times. At that point, several bystanders assisted and parked the vehicle before the defendant left the scene.
District Judge Peter King has adjourned the case until September 22 for a short adjournment report, signaling potential probation and a significant driving disqualification. An interim driving ban is already in place as the court considers the appropriate measures for Mooney’s dangerous actions.
