Mayo drink driver is warned he is in the ‘last chance saloon’
The defendant appeared before Castlebar District Court.
A man with a number of drink driving convictions has been warned he is in the “last chance saloon” when it comes to avoiding a prison sentence.
Martin Heneghan, of Banogues, Clogher, Claremorris, pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to provide a sample when he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving on November 8, 2022. He came before a sitting of Castlebar District Court last week.
The court heard that Gardai were called to a single-vehicle accident in Ballyheane at 5am on the date in question. Heneghan was found sitting in the car with the keys in the ignition. He was arrested on suspicion of drink driviing and taken to Castlebar Garda Station but he failed to provide a breath, blood or urine specimen.
Heneghan, a small farmer, has 18 previous convictions, including three for drink driving and one for failing to provide a sample.
Solicitor Joan O’Brien said her client now accepts he has an alcohol addiction and is undergoing HSE counselling.
“He accepts that it is not acceptable to drink and drive,” the solicitor added.
Ms O’Brien said she does not believe prison is the right environment for her client and pointed out that given overcrowding issues in Castlerea he would be likely to be released “almost immediately". Heneghan gave an undertaking in court to continue with addiction counselling.
“This had to stop. We have to call a halt to this,” said Judge Adrian Harris. “You’re in the last chance saloon."
The judge handed down a fine of €1,250 and a six-year driving ban.
“I hope he gets the message,” Judge Harris added.
