Longford man hit with three year driving ban

A Granard man who entered a plea of guilty to drink driving was banned from the road for three years at Longford District Court.

Robert Reilly (50) of 16 Greville Court, Granard, Longford was charged with driving while intoxicated on March 18, 2023 at Rathcroughan, Granard.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said the matter came before the court as the local Gardaí received a call at 1am on the date of the offence about the driving of the vehicle.

A subsequent breath test taken by Mr Reilly returned a reading of 109/100. The court was told that the defendant has had nine previous convictions.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds said her client was battling a problem with alcohol at the time. Since then Mr Reilly has undertaken a treatment programme in Cuan Mhuire and has been five months sober.

Ms Reynolds said: “He knows driving while intoxicated was wrong. It has been 19 years since his previous conviction and he has not driven since the incident.”

Taking the facts of the case into consideration judge Bernadette Owens imposed a fine of €450 and a three year disqualification.