Four-year driving ban for motorist who refused to give breath sample to gardai in Offaly
Four-year driving ban for motorist who refused to give breath sample to gardai in Offaly
A four-year driving ban was imposed on a man who failed to give a sample of his breath when required to do so by the gardai.
Tullamore District Court heard that Georges Mevoa (39), Ballincloghan, Kilcormac, who pleaded guilty to committing the offence at Birr Garda Station on July 14 last, had been stopped in a vehicle at 3.10am and his speech was slurred.
Judge Andrew Cody was also told Mr Mevoa was unsteady on his feet and he then failed to provide the sample. The man had no previous convictions.
A charge of dangerous driving had also been brought against the man but on the directions of the prosecution it was struck out by Judge Cody.
A plea of guilty to the remaining charge was entered by Patrick Martin, solicitor and he said his client was from Cameroon and had been in Ireland a number of years.
A married father of four, he lived with his wife and the youngest two children were in Cameroon. Mr Martin explained that the accused was living in a house with extended family members and on the night of the offence an issue arose there which resulted in him driving the car to a different location. Mr Mevoa worked in a pig farm in Kilcormac and his wife had returned to education, meaning that he was the sole earner.
Judge Cody imposed a disqualification from driving for four years and also fined the man €300.