Drink driving case struck out after Garda retires and loses notebook

A drink driving charge against a 34-year-old Kildare man was struck out after the prosecuting Garda retired and lost his notebook, a court has heard.

Conor McCormack, of Maple Lodge, Christianstown, Newbridge, Co Kildare, appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on July 22.

The case related to an alleged drink driving offence, but could not proceed after it emerged that the arresting Garda had since retired and no longer had access to his notebook — a key piece of evidence in the case.

The court was told the notebook could not be located and no official statement had been preserved. Without supporting documentation, the prosecution was unable to offer evidence.

Judge Murphy struck out the charge.

No further details of the alleged incident were given in open court, and no conviction was recorded.