Fine for pedestrian found carrying crate of beer and swaying on dual carriageway

A man who was found by Gardai walking along a busy Donegal road in the dark of night carrying a crate of beer has been fined in court.

The court heard that Gardai were on mobile patrol on the Letterkenny dual carriageway at 1.40am on June 19, 2022.

Gardai observed a lone male walking in the direction of the Manor roundabout. The man, now known to be Neil Gillespie, was dressed in dark clothing, carrying a crate of beer and was ‘swaying from side to side’.

Gillespie was not present when his case was called at Letterkenny District Court this week.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she was satisfied to proceed in the absence of the accused, a 23-year-old of Strabane Old Road, Derry.

The man was ‘clearly intoxicated’ and was arrested for the safety of both himself and the road users.

Gillespie made no reply after being charged and was released on his own bail.

Gardai told the court that Gillespie was ‘extremely intoxicated’ at the time.

Sergeant Gerard Dalton said that Gillespie has no previous convictions.

Judge Cunningham said she found the facts proven and convicted Gillespie, fining him €200 and allowing six months to pay.

Recognisance, in the event of an appeal, was fixed at Gillespie’s own bond of €200.