Motorist banned from the road for two years after being found over legal limit to drive in north Longford

Joseph Murtagh (40) of 9 The Green, Delvin, Westmeath pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle with a quantity of alcohol in his system exceeding the legal limit.

Sergeant Enda Daly gave evidence of the events of April 25, 2023. A Garda patrol observed a silver van at Trumra Road in Granard. The vehicle did a U turn in the middle of the road and drove off in the opposite direction.

The Gardaí followed the vehicle, stopping it at Carragh, Granard. When the officers spoke to the driver, Mr Murtagh, his speech was slurred.

A roadside test returned a positive reading for alcohol. The defendant was arrested and a station breath test returned a reading of 58mg alcohol per 100ml breath. Sg Daly said the defendant only has one previous conviction from 2010.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said her client wished to apologise to Gardai and the court. Ms Mimnagh said Mr Murtagh had a clean driving record up to this incident. The solicitor said her client's life was turned upside down when his brother took his own life.

As a result of this Mr Murtagh had “domestic difficulties” and was trying to deal with it through drink. The solicitor said the defendant is waiting to be assessed by Tiglin residential treatment centre. He was fully co-operative with the Gardaí.

Noting the facts of the case Judge Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine of €350. Mr Murtagh was disqualified from driving for two years. An application for legal aid was granted by the judge.