A number of people have lost their driving licences at a special sitting of Mullingar District Court.
Stewart McManus of Keoltown, Ballinea was polite and cordial when stopped by Sgt Hannan on October 10 last. He returned a breath alcohol reading of 97mg/100ml at Mullingar Garda Station and was given a three year disqualification by Judge Eamon O’Brien. Ms Susan Fay said her client had a disability and would be disadvantaged by not being able to visit his family in Dublin.
A man with no previous convictions, he regretted the incident, she said.
He was also fined €100. A similar fine was imposed on Mark McGuire of Gaulstown, Milltownpass who was disqualified for two years and one day when he pleaded guilty to having 64mg alcohol/100ml breath when stopped by Gardaí. Ms Aine McCabe said her client, who is a 30-year-old stone cutter had been working on a farm and had some alcohol with his lunch.
Barry Donegan of Kilpatrick, Bunbrosna lost his licence for one year following his conviction relating to an offence on the Delvin Road on August 9 last. He had 40mg alcohol/100ml breath when tested at Mullingar Garda Station by Garda Madden. Mr Donegan, a farmer whose mother relies on him completely has a previous conviction for drink driving which was imposed before new legislation which would have seen a more severe penalty imposed. He was fined €100.
