Plumbing apprentice banned from driving at Thurles District Court

A plumbing apprentice has been given a four-year driving ban and a fine at Thurles District Court.

Eric Riordan (35) of 41 Briarfield Grove, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to refusing to give a sample at Thurles Garda Station on November 17, 2022.

Sgt Tom Hanrahan told the court that on the day of the incident, gardaí attended the scene of a collision where they met the defendant intoxicated.

He was arrested, taken to the garda station and a doctor called. However, the court heard the defendant refused to give a blood or urine sample despite the penalty having been explained to him.

Sgt Hanrahan told the court the defendant had 30 previous convictions with 13 under the Road Traffic Act.

Acting for the defendant, Pádraig de Búrca BL, told the court that his client had “amended his ways.” He said that Mr Riordan had two children and was completing a plumbing apprenticeship.

“Clearly, this will have a serious effect on that,” said Mr de Búrca.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath imposed a four-year driving disqualification and a €350 fine.