Driver caught at checkpoint

A 32-year-old who was failed a mandatory breath test when he was stopped at a Garda checkpoint has been found guilty of drink driving.

Declan McCabe, Marlbog Road, Haggardstown, had pleaded not guilty to drink driving at Knockbridge on July 22.

Judge Flann Brennan was told how Gardai got authorisation from Superintendent Gerard Curley to mount the checkpoint close to the St Bride’s GAA and, shortly after 12.30am, McCabe was stopped.

He failed a roadside breath test and a breath sample given at the station confirmed he was over the limit. Barrister Martin Dully applied to have the case dismissed as he said the officer had not specified in his evidence that the checkpoint was where the superintendent had authorised it.

Inspector Yvonne Murphy said the Garda had stated the checkpoint had been conducted ‘as directed by Superintendent Curley’.

Judge Brennan said he was satisfied the checkpoint had been conducted properly and convicted McCabe. Mr Dully said his client was co-operative with gardai and had been ‘coming from a funeral in Forkhill where there had been a fight. He had intended to get a taxi, but he had to get out of there’. He said McCabe has a metal fabrication business and has to drive to Castleblayney.

Judge Brennan imposed a €500 fine and a two year ban. He allowed McCabe to appeal in his own bond of €100.