15:31 Joe Thomas

Defence continued

“The next day he was stopped by police. He admitted that he had taken drink” - when he drinks, he does it in moderation, the court was told.

“What should have been a night at home with his family and friends suddenly changed”, with the group heading to a Hanover Street restaurant for dinner.

“He was pre-occupied and he accepts he should have kept a closer eye on what he had to drink. He left the restaurant and probably took a wrong turning next to Hanover Street and the bus station. I would invite the court to be suggested the lay out can be confusing.”

Mr Hogan then accepted Firmino drove on the wrong side of the road - which was seen by police. He said it caused no harm or inconvenience, and finished by saying that he did not believe it would have happened if the burglary had not taken place the day before.