Drunk driver banned despite an ‘unfortunate situation’
The case was heard at Castlebar District Court.
A man caught drunk driving would have received a fixed charge penalty notice had Covid-19 not impacted the renewal of his driving licence.
John McGreal, of Fortlawn, Clogher, Claremorris, contested the case during a sitting of Castlebar District Court.
Gda Padraig Naughton told the court that at 6.45pm on February 6, 2022, he saw a car driving at speed on a narrow country road at Fortlawn. The vehicle was crossing onto the narrow grass verges and when the Garda stopped the car he got a strong smell of alcohol from the driver John McGreal.
The accused failed a breath test and was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. A breath specimen later revealed a reading of 27 microgrammes of alcohol. The legal limit is 22mg.
The court was told that had McGreal’s driving licence not expired he would have been entitled to a fixed charge penalty notice. Solicitor Cathy McDarby said the offence occurred during the pandemic and McGreal had received several extensions to his licence. However, an application prior to his arrest could not be processed. He has no previous convictions.
Judge Marie Keane said it was an "unfortunate situation" but stated the onus is on a driver to ensure his licence is up to date. She imposed a one-year driving ban but postponed it until January 3, 2024. McGreal was also fined €200.
