Four years off road for refusing to give sample

A Killorglin woman was so “disorientated and distressed” after being involved in a traffic accident that she refused to give a sample to gardaí to detect for alcohol a court has heard.

Casey O’Connor, Gurrane West, Killorglin, appeared at Cahersiveen District Court charged with refusing to give a sample at UHK on September 24, 2017.

She was also charged with careless driving on the same date at Caragh Bridge, Glenbeigh.

A request was made to amend the date of the charge which defence solicitor, Paul O’Donoghue objected to, saying the state were creating a summonses where none existed.

However, Judge David Waters, said he did not agree and said that the state can amend a summonses up until the hearing.

The court heard that Ms Casey was dropping home a relative after a family function when she crossed over the white line and a collision occurred.

Four people were taken to hospital from both vehicles.

The court heard that the 24-year old has no previous convictions and that she had been working all day since 5am and had a few drinks.

Mr O’Donoghue said that she was exceptionally tired on the night.

“She was disorientated and distressed and in the course of the confusion declined to give a sample,” he said.

“Four years off the road will have serious consequences for her. She is extremely sorry and this is out of character for her. It was after a long day at work,” he added.

Ms Casey was disqualified from driving four years and fined €300 for failing to give a sample. She was also convicted and fined €250 for careless driving.