SWERVINGFROM SIDE-TO-SIDE

A 49-year-old mechanic has been fined €25 and disqualified from driving for three years after being convicted of drink driving.

Barry Callan, Loughantarve, Knockbridge, had denied the offence which occurred in the early hours of 15 February last.

Garda Blaine gave evidence that at 1.40am he saw a black BMW 320 pull out from McNamee’s pub in Knockbridge.

He followed this car out the road. It was swerving from side-to-side and driving erratically.

Gda Blaine continued he activated the blue lights and the BMW stopped a short time later in the driveway of Callan’s home.

The defendant identified himself. He was unsteady on his feet, his speech was slurred and there was a smell of drink from him.

Callan was arrested at 1.45am and then became ‘extremely un-cooperative’. He clenched his fists towards the officer and said he wouldn’t go to the garda station.

Gda Blaine said he handcuffed Callan and placed him in the garda vehicle. They arrived at the station at 1.55am.

A 20-minute observation period with Garda