Drink driver warned he may go to jail

A 49-year-old musician who pleaded guilty to drink driving, has been warned he is a risk of going to jail.

John Conlan, 52 Dowdallshill, had his case adjourned to 26 February for a probation report.

The defendant also admitted having no insurance and driving without a licence in the early hours of 25 November, 2018.

Dundalk district court heard he has two previous convictions and disqualification orders.

Gda Hennessy gave evidence that at 5.20am on the date in question gardaí saw the accused driving down Byrne’s Lane, Newry Road. He then reversed back up the lane at speed and onto the Newry Road.

Gardaí followed him. He failed to stop, driving at speed on the road.

Gda Hennessy continued the driver stopped at 52 Dowdallshill, then attempted to flee down the back garden.

He was arrested at 5.25am, and brought to Dundalk garda station where he provided a breath specimen which showed a reading of 49.

Counsel for Conlan said this was the last episode of ‘a remarkable and unfortunate saga’.

His client developed a chronic alcohol problem, and was eager to confront his issues again, having been in a residential programme two years ago.

A separated father of two boys, he is a talented musician in a Thin Lizzy tribute band.

He wished to apologise. He acknowledged he was in a difficult situation but wanted to confront the issue squarely.

Judge McKiernan wanted to know what Conlan had done (to address the problem).

She was told he had approached a counsellor and no longer had access to a vehicle.

The judge said he was at risk, and when counsel asked for a short adjournment to make contact with the appropriate agencies, Judge McKiernan remarked she was not impressed, on the day of the hearing, for Conlan to express an intention to deal with his problem having taken no action.

However, she decided to put the matter back for a report.