Man driving on wrong side of road who left scene of accident in Offaly given driving ban
A MAN who left the scene of an accident was fined and disqualified from driving at last week's sitting of Tullamore District Court.
Ronnie Delaney, 20, Clonin, Rhode, had been driving on the wrong side of the road and was involved in a head-on collision at Tubberdaly, Rhode, on May 22, 2022.
Mr Delaney left the scene and Gardai found him down the road. There was a strong smell of alcohol from him and a breath test revealed 99 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
Mr Delaney had no previous convictions.
Solicitor Donal Farrelly said the defendant was a 66 year old man with a wife and two grown up daughters. He also has two grandsons.
He said the reason he left the scene was that the injured party had told him to get away from the car.
He has completed a CADS (community alcohol and drugs service) programme and is attending AA meetings. A close friend of his had died and it had a negative effect on him. He is now eight months and 23 days alcohol free. “I would ask you to be lenient,” said Mr Farrelly.
Judge Andrew Cody said it was lucky no one was killed in what was a head on collision with someone well over the limit.
He fined Mr Delaney €1,500 and disqualified him from driving for three years. In addition he fined him €300 in connection with the hit and run offence.