Professional driver is put off the road for two years after Mayo drink driving offence

A professional driver has been put off the road for two years after he was found guilty of drink driving.

Cillian Freeman, of Holywell, Ballyhaunis, contested the case when he appeared before a sitting of Castlebar District Court.

The court was told that at around 11 p.m. on September 27, 2024, Garda Fergal O’Gara stopped Freeman’s vehicle at Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis.

He noted the car had no tax, NCT, or insurance but the driver informed him that the vehicle was a garage car and he was insured to drive it.

Freeman failed a roadside breath test and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

He was taken to Castlebar Garda Station where a breath test later revealed a reading of 47mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 22mg.

Solicitor Evan O’Dwyer, representing Freeman, posited that his client should have been taken to Claremorris Garda Station which was closer.

Garda O’Gara said he couldn’t say why but Castlebar was deemed a better option on the night.

Mr. O’Dwyer said there was no evidence given of a garda checkpoint and no justification was given for the initial stop.

Inspector Shane Fitzmaurice said there was nothing prejudicial in bringing the defendant to Castlebar Garda Station and gardaí have the powers to perform a stop under the Road Traffic Act.

Judge Ciaran Liddy said the garda proceeded with “good intent” and was permitted to stop Freeman.

He said a “degree of latitude” is allowed in relation to the transportation issue raised and stated he had no concerns about the detention.

The court was told Freeman has no previous convictions and is a professional driver.

Judge Liddy imposed the mandatory two-year driving disqualification but agreed that it would be postponed until September 1 next. He also imposed a fine of €500.

* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.