Longford District Court: Fine and ban for drink driving

A defendant who pleaded guilty to a drink driving charge was banned from the road for three years and must pay a €450 fine.

Andrevs Smirnovs (32) of 11 The Laurels, Ballinalee Road, Longford entered a guilty plea to the charge that on August 20, 2023 at Ballinalee Road, Longford he drove an MPV with a quantity of alcohol in his system exceeding the legal limit.

Outlining details of the matter Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí received a call regarding an incident of erratic driving. The defendant was stopped and a subsequent test returned a reading of 74/100. The sergeant said Mr Smirnovs has no previous convictions.

The court presenter said the defendant fully cooperated and there were no aggravating factors.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds said her client fully accepted the charges and entered an early plea. Ms Reynolds said the defendant is originally from Latvia, but has been resident in Ireland since 2011 and has always worked.

The solicitor said the separated father of two children supports his family. Having considered the facts of the case Judge Bernadette Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine of €450 with a three year disqualification.