Longford man who crashed while drunk 'taking driving ban on the chin'

A defendant who pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated was banned from the road for six years.

Shane Connell with charge sheet addresses of Leitrim Cross, Newtownforbes and 1 Beechwood, Prospect Wood, Longford was before the court on two drugs charges and a motoring offence.

The first was on November 21, 2020 at Connaught Road, Longford for which the defendant was charged with the unlawful possession of cocaine and the unlawful possession of the drug for sale or supply.

The defendant came to Garda attention when a male was observed acting suspiciously. When Mr Connell was searched the officers found a package of cocaine which was valued at €3,724.

The motoring offences date from July 19, 2022 when the defendant was stopped while driving while intoxicated at Curryline, Longford.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client fully cooperated with the officers, and had been the subject of a very positive probation report.

Mr Gearty said his client is engaging with probation Services and has made significant progress. He added that the defendant's mother had been of particular support to him.

The legal representative said his client was the father of a child and this has helped him focus his attention.

He is now working in a local transport company and has separated himself from the “poor company” he was keeping.

Mr Gearty said this client had entered an early plea to the offence of driving while intoxicated at Curryline, Newtownforbes.

Outlining details of that offence Sergeant Enda Daly said that at 9:43am officers were called to 6the scene of a road traffic crash. The driver, Mr Connell, appeared to be intoxicated.

While speaking to the officers Mr Connell admitted he was intoxicated and a urine test returned a reading of 220/100 ml of urine.

Mr Gearty explained to the court his client was aware he would receive a driving ban and although he was living in a rural area he was “taking it on the chin”. He said Mr Connell had learned his lesson.

Having considered the facts of the case and the defendant's circumstances Judge Owens imposed a fine of €450 with six months to pay for the drink driving offence and a disqualification of six years.

Judge Owens directed that the defendant enter a probation bond of €250 in respect of the possession of cocaine.