Drunk driver was slumped over wheel
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court.
A drunk driver has been disqualified for four years after he was found slumped over in his vehicle.
John Daly, aged 41, Carrentulla, Claremorris pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine at a Garda station.
Gda John Murphy told the court that he responded to a complaint from a member of the public at around 1.50pm on August 13, 2021, and observed a Volkswagen Golf parked at The Square in Balla.
Gda Murphy observed the driver, Daly, slumped over the wheel with the ignition key resting on his knees. The officer eventually managed to rouse the defendant after several attempts. He formed the opinion that Daly had consumed an intoxicant and arrested him on suspicion of drunk driving.
Daly was conveyed to Claremorris Garda Station where he was asked to give a sample of his breath, blood or urine for analysis. The defendant told the garda he accepted that he had been drinking but refused to give a sample, telling Gda Murphy: “You didn’t bag me in the car.”
Solicitor Evan O’Dwyer said his client accepted that he had alcohol taken at the time of the incident. The defendant has no previous convictions.
Judge Vincent Deane imposed a four-year driving disqualification and a fine of €200.
