Courts / Dublin / Report

Drunk driver banned for two years after traffic lights toppled over

Summary

Ines Perez, 43, of Willowpark Avenue, Glasnevin, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to drink‑driving on 7 October 2023. She was driving a Volkswagen Polo on Scholarstown Road, Knocklyon, shortly after 2 am when she crashed into a light pole, causing traffic lights to topple and block the road. Garda Mark Faul, who was in the area, spoke to Perez, noted signs of intoxication, and she failed a roadside breath test. A blood sample taken at a Garda station showed 144 mg of alcohol per 100 ml, nearly three times the legal limit of 50 mg. Perez had no previous convictions and was fully cooperative. Her defence counsel noted she was a mother of two, had been going through an emotionally difficult breakup, and rarely drank. The court heard she was deeply embarrassed and anxious to be before the court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drunk driver banned for two years after traffic lights toppled over. Charges or matters: drink-driving on October 7, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 7, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 1 Other
• 2025-06-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report