Man arrested for being 'drunk in charge of a vehicle' in Offaly

A man was recently arrested for being “drunk in charge of a vehicle” on the outskirts of Birr Town.

A Garda spokesman told the Tribune that the man was seated and asleep in the car while the engine was running when Gardai approached him.

The car was pulled in on the side of the road. The arrest occurred at 1am on Sunday, December 11.

“Some people think they can't be arrested if they are not driving the car,” commented a Garda spokesperson. “This is not in fact the case. Even if the engine is switched off, even if the keys are not in the ignition, even if you are sleeping, if you are found to be over the limit in terms of alcohol consumption then you can be arrested and charged with Drunk in Charge. A lot of people are not aware of this and I think it's important to get this message out there.”