Motorist was intoxicated while driving in The Curragh, County Kildare
CONVICTED
A driver who sped off from gardaí while under the influence of cannabis was handed down a sentence and a driving disqualification (DQ).
Darren McInerney, with an address listed as New Road, Portlaoise, County Laois, but who is currently serving a custodial sentence for other matters, was convicted at Naas District Court on Thursday, May 25.
Gardaí told Judge Desmond Zaidan that the 36-year-old, who appeared in court via video-link, was spotted by gardaí in a patrol car in The Curragh on July 6 last.
It was heard that when gardaí attempted to stop Mr McInerney in order speak to him, he took off at speed.
Later, gardaí found his car had crashed on The Curragh, and they also found Mr McInerney lying on the ground.
When a breath test was performed by gardaí, it emerged that Mr McInerney had been driving under the influence of cannabis.
The court was told that Mr McInerney has 134 previous convictions.
Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told the judge that his client had 'been going through a bad time' on the date in question.
Mr Kennelly said: "Now that he is in custody, he has started to cop-on and realise that this (behaviour) is causing him to take time away from him being with his kids.
"He allowed illicit substances to interfere with his life," he added.
It was heard that Mr McInerney was due for release in six months.
After consideration, Judge Zaidan imposed a three-year DQ on Mr McInerney (two years for the dangerous driving offence, and one year for driving while under the influence of cannabis) in addition to a six-month custodial sentence, which would commence from May 25.