Father facing ban and community service

A MAN who refused to give a sample to gardaí could be facing a lengthy disqualification and large number of community service hours.

Andrew Salter (29), of Bay 1 Walcott, Old Connaught Avenue appeared in Bray District Court on Thursday, December 14.

He was observed speeding and driving in an erratic manner on June 14, 2016, at Old Connaught Avenue by Garda Glenn Quinn. He refused to give a sample at Bray Garda Station, saying ‘you won’t get a sample off me’.

Barrister Shannon Biondi said that her client recently became a father and while he has found it hard to get work, he recently completed the safe pass and manual handling courses. She said that he accepts he engaged in dangerous behaviour and dealt with the matter badly. She said that he and his partner had been homeless and his life was chaotic but things have turned around for him since then.

He has a permanent home and has not come to garda attention.

Ms Biondi said that Salter had apologised to the garda and does not drink any longer.

‘Having a child has changed his perspective and attitude,’ said Ms Biondi.

Judge David Kennedy agreed to adjourn the matter to February 5 for the preparation of a community service report.