Three-year disqualification for Tipperary driver who was 'highly intoxicated'

A man has been disqualified from driving for three years by Thurles District Court for drunk driving.

Seamus Stapleton, 51, of Maxfort, Horse and Jockey, pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated.

The arresting garda told the court that on June 14, 2022, they received a call about a collision in Ballydavid Littleton.

They arrested the driver, who they believed to be ‘highly intoxicated’ and later gave a breath sample of 98 over 100. Solicitor for the defendant, Brian Hughes, told the court that his client had cooperated fully with the gardaí.

He said his client is a welder by trade and has recently secured employment. He asked that the judge suspend any disqualification to allow him to make alternative transport arrangements.

Judge MacGrath said she recognised that the defendant ‘grappled’ with alcoholism but that the defendant's breath test had been very high. “That is really very very high in my view,” said Judge MacGrath.

The judge imposed a €400 fine and disqualified Mr Stapleton from driving for three years. However, she put back the disqualification until February 2024.