Man put off the road for drink and dangerous driving and hit and run in Offaly
Judge said that while the man's breath alcohol level was not the highest he had seen, it was still very high
A 43-year-old man appeared at last week's sitting of Tullamore District Court accused of drink driving, dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
Darren Checkley, The Old House, Ballygibben, Edenderry, failed to stop at a junction on the R402 at Killane Cross, Edenderry on January 29, 2024.
Mr Checkley who works in the financial services had a breath alcohol level of 268 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. He had no previous convictions.
His solicitor said Mr Checkley was coming with his hands held up. He said he had been going through a difficult period in his life at the time of the accident and he was offering this as an explanation rather than an excuse.
He said he has a good job, comes from a good family and has the support of his family and friends.
He accepts the significance of the offence and he has paid a very high price.
Judge Andrew Cody remarked that those he collided with at Killane Cross could have paid a bigger price.
He said while 268 micrograms was not the highest reading he had seen it was very high.
For the offence of dangerous driving he fined Mr Checkley €300 and disqualified him from driving for two years. For the hit and run he fined him €300 with six months to pay. For driving while intoxicated he fined him €300 and disqualified him from driving for three years.