Buncrana-based machine operator put off the road for three months for drink-driving

A Buncrana-based machine operator who was marginally over the drink-driving limit for a specified driver has been disqualified from driving for a period of three months and fined €200.

Babtunde Adeyinka, of the Old HSE Building, St Mary’s Road, Buncrana, pleaded guilty to driving while exceeding the legal alcohol limit when his case was called at Buncrana District Court.

A separate charge of having no insurance was withdrawn by the State after valid insurance documentation was produced in court.

Sergeant Conor Mulkerns outlined the evidence against the 44-year-old defendant. He said gardaí were on patrol at Ballymacarry Lower, Buncrana on the night of July 11, 2025 at 10.24pm, when they stopped a 2014-registered black Opel Zafira.

The driver identified himself as Mr Adeyinka. While speaking with him, gardaí detected a smell of intoxicating liquor.

The court heard that Mr Adeyinka did not have a full driving licence with him at the time, as he was a specified driver, a category of driver which includes learner permit holders, novice drivers and professional drivers.

He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

A breath sample later revealed a reading of 14 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Although this is below the standard legal limit of 22 microgrammes, the court was told that the threshold for specified drivers is significantly lower, at just 9 microgrammes.

READ NEXT: Teenager who drove past Buncrana filling station at 174kph banned for two years

Sergeant Mulkerns noted that the reading was at the lower end of the scale and that Mr Adeyinka had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Nikita McGrath said her client is a married father who works as a machine operator, earning approximately €500 per week. She emphasised that the amount of alcohol involved was small and that Mr Adeyinka had fully cooperated with gardaí on the night.

She told the court that her client accepts full responsibility for his actions and was anxious to retain his driving licence.

Judge Emile Daly noted the absence of any previous convictions and imposed the minimum mandatory penalty. Mr Adeyinka was disqualified from driving for three months and fined €200, with four months allowed for payment.