Drivers fined and banned for drink driving offences

A driver summoned for drunk driving would have escaped a ban if his licence was in date, Sligo District Court was told.

Before the court was Sean Marren of Rusheen, Riverstown who was summoned for drunk driving at Rusheen on March 6 th last.

The reading was 33mgs of alcohol per 100mls breath and a fixed charge penalty notice was issued.

Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor (defending) said because the reading was low it meant the defendant could pay a fine and there was no ban.

However, the fixed charge penalty office could not accept the payment as the defendant’s driving licence was out of date, said Mr McGovern.

“I he had his licence in order he would not be banned at all but it was out of date,” said Mr McGovern.

Once the case came to court it meant a three month ban had to be imposed.

“What can I do?” - Judge Kevin Kilrane.

“Is the prosecution proceeding?” - Judge to Inspector Paul Kilcoyne.

“Yes” - Inspector. Judge Kilrane fined the defendant €100 and banned him from driving for three months.

At the same court, James Webber, 8 Flowerhill, Bunninadden was fined €200 and banned from driving for four years for drunk driving at Bunninadden on December 13th 2016. A reading showed a concentration of 149mgs of alcohol per 100mls of blood. He had one previous drunk driving conviction.