Carlow man jailed and banned for five years over drink and dangerous driving
The Wicklow PeopleA Carlow man who admitted drink driving at excessive speed before crashing his car has been jailed for five months and banned from driving for five years
Stephen Doyle (33), of Minvaude, Clonmore, Hacketstown, Co Carlow, appeared before Bray District Court for sentencing.
He pleaded guilty to several road traffic offences, including driving under the influence, having no insurance, driving without a licence, and dangerous driving.
Sergeant Mick Dee told the court that on March 7, 2020, Mr Doyle was stopped while driving and was found to have no valid licence or insurance. He was brought to Hacketstown Garda Station and his vehicle was seized.
The court also heard that in March 2019, a witness reported seeing Mr Doyle driving erratically in Tinahely, Co Wicklow. Before gardaí arrived, Mr Doyle crashed the vehicle.
At the scene, Mr Doyle admitted to drink driving and travelling at excessive speed. He was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he was breathalysed and gave a reading of 143 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, more than four times the legal limit of 35mg.
The court was told that the accused has previous convictions for public order offences.
Counsel for Mr Doyle, Sorcha Dianamh Ní Néill Fulham BL, said her client was “holding his hands up” to his poor driving and had apologised for his actions, which she described as a serious mistake.
In mitigation, the court heard that Mr Doyle had been involved in an argument with family members prior to the incident and had previously held a valid driving licence.
Legal aid was granted to Paraic Hyland Solicitors.
Judge David Kennedy disqualified Mr Doyle from driving for five years and imposed a five-month prison sentence.
Counsel asked that the sentence be backdated to when Mr Doyle entered custody. However, the court was told he is currently in custody on a separate matter and is likely to remain on remand for a significant period.
“Given his history, his sentence starts from today,” said Judge Kennedy.