Motorist was four times over legal alcohol limit when he crashed into neighbour's car
The defendant pleaded guilty and apologised for his actions.
A Swinford motorist crashed into his neighbour's car while intoxicated.
James Gormley, aged 49, of 9 Brabazon Heights, Swinford pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to careless driving and drunk driving on November 18, 2022.
Gda Caroline Taaffe said she visited Brabazon Heights at 6.30pm after receiving a report of a two-car collision. She observed one car at the side of the road and another vehicle in the centre. The officer spoke to the female driver of the first vehicle, who passed a roadside breath test, and then spoke to Gormley, who failed his breath test.
The defendant was arrested and a subsequent blood test revealed a reading of 247 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 50 mg.
Gda Taaffe said Gormley was cooperative and accepted full responsibility for the collision. He has no previous convictions.
Solicitor Brendan Donnelly said his client had never been in court previously and was very embarrassed. Gormley had lived in Asia but returned home after the deaths of two relatives and “got himself into a rut".
"He is now living abroad again, and this is his third time returning home for this case. He accepts what he did was very wrong, and he apologises to the victim and the Gardaí," Mr Donnelly added.
However, the victim, who was in court, told Judge Brendan O'Reilly she had never received a direct apology from Gormley, prompting the defendant to take the stand and say he was sorry.
Judge O'Reilly imposed a three-year driving ban and a fine of €800.
