A van driver allegedly mounted kerbing and struck a pensioner in Belfast city centre while almost three times over the alcohol limit, a court has heard.
John Taggart is accused of causing “catastrophic” injuries to the 70-year-old man in the collision at Millfield junction on Monday evening.
A judge was told police called to the scene of the crash located the victim under the vehicle.
Taggart (34) of Seaview Drive in the city, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with causing grievous bodily injury by careless driving and driving with excess alcohol.
It was claimed that he was behind the wheel of a van which went up onto kerbing before colliding with the pedestrian.
When police breathalysed Taggart following his arrest, the reading was said to be nearly three times over the legal drink-drive limit.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries described in court as “catastrophic”.
Defence barrister Sean O’Hare said Taggart had immediately expressed sympathy for the pedestrian and inquired about his condition.
He told the court his client had been driving all day as part of a new job working for a pharmaceutical company.
Granting bail for Taggart to live at an approved address, District Judge Steven Keown banned him from travelling in the front seat of any motor vehicle.
The case was adjourned until October 2.