Ban for Laois musician who “foolishly” drove while drunk

A driving ban was handed down to a musician and barman who “foolishly” drove when he couldn’t get a taxi. 

Conor McLoughlin (23) of Belin, Ballybrittas pleaded guilty to drunk driving at Rathleash, Portarlington on April 14, 2024. 

Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said the defendant was arrested following a single vehicle road traffic accident at 1.40am on the date in question. He said the man provided a breath specimen of 65mgs per 100mls of breath. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was a musician who worked part time in the bar industry. He said the man had arranged to stay with a friend on the night in question but he was unable to contact the friend. 

Mr Meagher told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the man then tried to get a taxi before he “foolishly made a decision to get into his own car and drive home.”

Judge Andrew Cody fined the man €100 and disqualified him from driving for two years. The ban was postponed until October 31 at the request of Mr Meagher.