A Dublin man was found to be driving while more than twice over the legal limit and in possession of drugs just hours after hurling abuse at passersby on the prom in Salthill, the Galway District Court heard this week.
Brian Hawthorne (28 ) with an address at 29 Croftwood Crescent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, appeared before Judge Mary Fahy on Monday and pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour at The Prom in Salthill as well as to drink driving and being in possession of cannabis herb at University Road on April 1, 2012.
The court heard that the defendant was seen driving a vehicle at University Road in an erratic manner and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. An intoxiliser test gave a reading of 86mgs of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The car he was driving was also searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and cannabis herb to the value of €20 was found. While being dealt with at Galway Garda Station it was discovered that the defendant had been involved in a public order incident at the prom at midday on the same date. The defendant had been using abusive language to members of the public before driving his vehicle. The court also heard how Hawthorne has 12 previous convictions including one for a hit and run offence for which he received a three month sentence suspended for two years and bound to the peace for three years on March 9 this year.
Defence solicitor Colin Lynch said that the father of two was a qualified mechanic who is currently unemployed and is trying to get his life back on track. He explained that Hawthorne had been in Galway for a birthday party and that a conviction could affect his chances with a FAS placement.
Judge Fahy then made the order for the matter to be sent back to the previous court to deal with the three month suspended matter.
