Loughgall: A man was fined for refusing a breath test. Eusebiu-Stelian Ropescu drove the wrong way around a roundabout. He didn’t have a valid license or insurance when police stopped him on December 23.

The 34-year-old faced charges for driving without insurance and a license. He also failed to provide a breath sample. The prosecution dropped a charge of driving while unfit due to drink or drugs.

Police noticed Ropescu when he came off a roundabout without yielding. He made a full loop on the wrong side of the road. Officers took time to confirm his details and found he wasn’t the vehicle’s registered keeper.

Ropescu didn’t provide a breath test reading and was uncooperative in custody. He was waving his arms around and frustrated due to a language barrier. He has no valid UK or Northern Ireland driving license.

In court, Judge Michael Ranaghan was surprised there were no dangerous driving charges. Ropescu’s lawyer said he apologized for his behavior and explained he was delivering Christmas presents.

Ropescu admitted making a “very stupid decision” to drive. He couldn’t recall much about his driving. The judge acknowledged his guilty plea but emphasized the seriousness of refusing a breath test.

Ropescu received a £375 fine and a £15 offender levy, payable within 20 weeks. He was also banned from driving for 14 months.