Drink drivers topped the list of offenders at the recent sitting of Mullingar District Court with a total of 10 people prosecuted for taking to the road under the influence.
All pointed out that their work or chances of getting work would be severely hampered without a licence.
“An absolute disaster”, is how solicitor Louis Kiernan described the mandatory three year disqualification for a Latvian father of four who travels for work.
Maris Zubins of Griffinstown, Kinnegad had 95mg alcohol/100ml breath when stopped at Robinstown on November 11 last but had never been in trouble before. His disqualification was postponed until August to allow him organize his affairs.
Joseph Sweeney of 5 The Sycamores, Rochfortbridge was disqualified for two years and a day for having 51mg alcohol/100ml breath when he was stopped at the Lynn Industrial Estate on February 7 this year.
Mr Louis Kiernan said his unemployed client, who is 27 years old, was entirely cooperative with gardaí and regrets the incident.
A Slovakian man admitted he had 37mg alcohol/100ml breath when stopped at Main Street, Kinnegad on January 12 this year.
Matej Pompura, Apt 1, Athlone Road, Kinnegad had been warned two weeks ago to get a solicitor for his next court appearance but his interpreter told Judge Anderson he hadn’t got one because he doesn’t speak English and doesn’t know any solicitors.
The judge adjourned the case briefly for him to speak to a probation officer and acquaint himself with the solicitors who regularly appear in the court.
Mr Robert Marren told the court that the 41 year old, who was disqualified for one year, gets sporadic work as a butcher.
Judge David Anderson fined each person €250.
A number of other cases have been adjourned.
