Tullamore District Court hears drink driver had 'big alcohol reading' following accident

A 26 year old man who was taken to hospital after an accident on the M6, had a high alcohol reading when tested in the hospital, last week's Tullamore Court was told.

Rian Hayes, 13 Merchant's Road Upper, Galway, was charged with drink driving at the Cornaher Kilbeggan section of the M6 on November 5, 2023.

“Following the accident on the motorway,” said Sergeant Brendan Kearns, “he was taken to hospital and the Guards requested a drink driving test in the hospital. 

The defendant  was found to have 276 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 mls of urine.”

Judge Andrew Cody commented that it was a big reading.

“The top limit is 150 so he is twice the upper limit.”

The defending solicitor Patrick Martin said his client was pleading guilty, adding that Mr Hayes has attended an addiction course in Cuan Mhuire. 

“He is currently not working. He apologises for the incident.”

Judge Cody convicted and fined €100 and disqualified the defendant from driving for three years.