A defendant described by an arresting Garda “as a very nice young fellow” appeared before a special sitting of Tuam District Court on a charge of drunk driving.
Garda Darren Egan gave evidence of manning a checkpoint in the Glenamaddy area on July 5 last when he stopped Michael White, Ballinacregg South, Cummer, Tuam. He formed the opinion that White was driving under the influence of alcohol. He failed a roadside breath test and after his arrest he was taken to the Garda Station where a subsequent breath sample given provided a reading of 44 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 22mg/100ml.
Gearóid Geraghty solr (defending ) asked Garda Egan if his client had co-operated with him and the Garda told Judge Vincent Dean that he was a very nice young fellow and had been very co-operative.
Mr Geraghty said his client was 21 and had simply made a mistake by driving on the night and was pleading guilty. He added that the reading was quite low and there were no previous convictions.
The defence asked for the mandatory driving suspension be put back to allow the defendant get his affairs in order. The Judge advised: “the sooner it start, the sooner it finishes.” Mr Geraghty said his client had plans,but the Judge replied that he didn’t need to know about any plans.
Judge Deane said the most he could do was postpone the ban for six months and it was agreed it would come into force on August 15 next.
A one-year driving disqualification and a fine of €100 was imposed.
