Courts / Meath / Report

Drunk driving conviction overturned as judge finds validity of arrest in question

Summary

Daniel Keelan, 47, of Ashbourne, appealed a drunk‑driving conviction that had been handed down in the District Court for an incident on 21 August 2022. The original conviction carried a two‑year driving disqualification and a €200 fine. The appeal was heard in the District Court Appeals Court in Trim. Garda Saoirse Horan testified that she had pursued a black BMW on Frederick Street, observed Keelan in the driver's seat, and arrested him after he refused to exit the vehicle. She claimed he was argumentative, smelled of alcohol, and had a breath alcohol level of 59 mg per 100 ml, well above the legal limit of 22 mg. Keelan's counsel argued that the garda had not explained the arrest, that Keelan was not speeding due to road works, and that the licence information was inconsistent. Daniel Keelan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drunk driving conviction overturned as judge finds validity of arrest in question. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

• August 21, 2022 Incident
• 2025-07-14 Publication

Why: Garda Horan said that she did not put handcuffs on Mr Keelan without explaining the reason for his arrest. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report