Banned for drunk driving

ON a charge of drunk driving at Stephen Street on April 9 th last, James Hampson, Seafield, Knocknahur was fined €200 and banned from driving for three years.

A sample from the defendant showed a reading of 80mgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath.

Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor (defending) entered a plea to the offence saying the defendant, who was 22 wished to enter an early plea to the offence.

At the same court, Noel Looby of 22 Corn Mill, Ballymote was fined €300 and banned from driving for two years for drunk driving at Tievboy, Ballymote on March 18th 2017.

A sample from the defendant showed a reading of 53mgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath.

The court heard he pulled in to make a phonecall and was approached by Garda Feeney who subsequently arrested him for drunk driving.

Judge Kevin Kilrane rejected a submission from defending solicitor Mr McNulty to have the case dismissed.

The Judge said the Garda had decided to check the car out after it stopped and was operating under no powers to do so as none were required.

“A Garda is entitled to enter property and also to speak to people.

“In this case having spoken to him he formed the opinion the driver was under the influence of an intoxicant and administered a breath test,” said the Judge convicting the defendant.

Mr McNulty pleaded that the defendant was aged 39 and had operated a plant hire business since he was a teenager.

He employed a number of people.

On the day he had got a call about possible interference at his yard which was near his parents’ home, said Mr McNulty.

The driving ban was postponed to August 15 th next.