Drunk driver was seven times over the limit in Laois

A Judge described a man who was seven times the drink driving limit as “a killer on the road” due to the level of his intoxication. 

Ben Mansour (43) of 528A River Forest, Leixlip, Kildare, admitted drink driving at the Timahoe Road, Portlaoise on February 2 last. 

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the defendant was arrested on the Timahoe Road and taken to a garda station where he provided a blood specimen which returned a reading of 326mgs per 100mls of blood. He said the defendant had six previous convictions. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted it was a third intoxicated driving offence for the man. He said “with a blood alcohol of 326 you are a killer on the road.” 

“I know your honour,” the defendant replied. “It was a big mistake. I was going through a bad time,” he said. 

Judge Cody said the man was seven times the legal limit and he asked the man if he worked. The defendant said he worked in IT for a financial institution. 

Judge Cody imposed a three prison month sentence which he suspended for two years. He disqualified the man from driving for six years and fined him €1,000. 

“If you get behind the wheel of a car again in the next six years you will be going to jail,” he warned.