Early morning checkpoint leads to six-year ban for drink driving
The mandatory checkpoint was carried out in Ballyshannon
A 51-year-old man has been disqualified from holding a driving licence for six years following a second drink driving conviction.
Leo Morrow, of Doobally, Ballyshannon was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday.
His solicitor Jim Corbett conveyed a guilty plea for the offences of exceeding the legal alcohol limit and driving without a certificate of roadworthiness. The offences took place at Knader, Ballyshannon in January 31, 2023.
Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that on the date in question at 7.45am, Garda Mark Geraghty was conducting a mandatory checkpoint.
“The defendant approached the checkpoint in a blue Peugeot Partner,” said the Inspector.
“He was found to have an alcohol level of 100mcg per 100ml of breath.”
The legal limit is 22mg.
The court heard that Morrow had a previous conviction for drink driving in 2018, when he was disqualified from holding a licence for three years.
Mr Corbett said that his client was currently unemployed and was living remotely.
“The loss of his licence is going to be very difficult for him to manage,” said the solicitor.
“He has an addiction and he is trying to deal with it was best he can.”
Judge Deirdre Gearty imposed a mandatory six-year driving ban, as well as a fine for €350.
The charge of not having a valid certificate of roadworthiness was taken into consideration.