Disqualification for County Limerick man following drink-driving incident in Kildare town

A driving ban was imposed on a County Limerick man in relation to a drink-driving offence he committed in Kildare town.

Keith Collopy, with an address listed as 10 Abbey Vale, Corbally, County Limerick, was convicted by Judge Desmond Zaidan of the offence when he appeared before him at Naas District Court on Thursday, October 10 last.

A garda who was sworn in said that on the evening of August 7, 2022, the 44-year-old was spotted driving dangerously and while under the influence of alcohol while at Claregate Street in Kildare town.

The garda added that Mr Collopy 'was driving in an erratic manner on the wrong side of the road.'

A urine test later showed that he had alcohol in his system, according to the garda.

He also said that benzodiazepine was detected in Mr Collopy's system, although Mr Collopy told the judge that it was in his system at the time as he had been taking it for medical reasons.

The court was told that he had no previous convictions at the time of the offence, but has since accumulated three post-convictions, including one for a drink-driving offence, which led to a one-year driving ban.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said to the judge that his client had undergone a personal bereavement at the time of the offence.

"He unfortunately decided to deal with it by numbing his wits," Mr Kennelly added.

Judge Zaidan ultimately decided to impose a two-year driving disqualification on Mr Collopy, with endorsement to follow, in addition to a fine of €400, which is to be paid within six months.

Mr Collopy thanked the judge for his verdict as the proceedings came to an end.