Drink driver stopped in Longford who ‘had been out the night before’ hit with road ban

A motorist, who was detected by Gardaí driving at more than twice the drink driving limit, has been disqualified for two years and fined.

Paul Brady of Linksfield Cottages, Corrabaun pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to drink driving at Kilmaconnon, Newtownforbes on October 6, 2024. 

Sergeant Mark Mahon  said gardaí were on mobile patrol when they stopped the driver and they carried out a roadside breath test, which he failed.

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The defendant was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station where a breath test gave a reading of 51mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

The legal limit is 22mg.

Sgt Mahon addressed Judge Bernadette Owens and said that reading would result in a mandatory two year disqualification. Mr Brady had two previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, said his client, a self-employed carpenter, was seeking a six-month postponement for the  ban.

"It happened in the morning and he had been out the night before,” he added.

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Judge Owens handed down a  €450 fine with five months to pay and she also imposed a two year driving ban which she postponed until June 12, 2026.