A married father of three clocked up his third drink driving conviction at this week’s sitting of Castlebar District Court.
On September 27 2010 at 12.33am, Michael Lavelle, Loughill, Snugboro, Castlebar was stopped driving at Knockthomas, Castlebar. A breath sample was taken at Castlebar Garda Station which gave a reading of 97mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. Lavelle, was disqualified from driving at the time, following a previous drink driving conviction; Lavelle had two drink driving convictions in total.
The court heard that the defendant had been socialising with his brother in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar following a county championship football match. His brother went home and the defendant was given the keys to his brother’s car. As there was over €1,000 worth of work tools in the car, Lavelle decided to drive it home.
The defendant works abroad as a carpenter and is the sole provider for his family.
Judge Mary Devins convicted and fined him €1,000 for drink driving, disqualified him from driving for six years and sentenced him to three months in prison; suspended for 12 months. For driving while disqualified, Lavelle was convicted and fined €1,000, disqualified from driving for six years concurrent and sentenced to three months in prison consecutive; suspended for 12 months.
