'An aberration': Man pleads guilty to drink driving in rural Limerick
Garda Ivan Hannify gave evidence to Kilmallock District Court that he stopped Michael O’Brien, 59, with an address at Newtown, Galbally, Limerick, who had been driving at Milltown, Bruff on October 21, 2025.
The court heard Mr O’Brien was found to be driving without insurance, and also failed a breath test. Mr O’Brien was then conveyed to Bruff garda station.
Garda evidence detailed that Mr O’Brien was generally co-operative, and made admissions.
Prosecuting Inspector Gearóid Thompson told the court that Mr O’Brien has no previous convictions.
Barrister Kenneth Kerins, representing Mr O’Brien, asked Judge Patricia Harney to take the offences “as an aberration”.
Mr Kerins said in mitigation that Mr O’Brien had difficulty with his insurance.
Judge Harney, considering the case before her, said: “I won’t disqualify him from driving in relation to no insurance on the basis of his previous good record.”
The judge proceeded to convict and fine Mr O’Brien €500 for driving with no insurance. For the drink driving offence, Mr O’Brien was disqualified from driving for a period of three years, and fined an additional sum of €500.
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