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Woman fails in bid to overturn drink driving conviction
Summary
Sara Lucanich has failed in her appeal against her District Court convictions for drink driving and refusing to provide a breath sample. The appellant, aged 30, was originally convicted of driving while intoxicated on Ballymun Road in April 2024 and fined €350, with a three-year driving disqualification. She was also convicted of refusing to provide a sample and fined €200. During the appeal, Garda Doireann Byrne testified that Lucanich was observed swerving and failing to respond to police signals, and that she exhibited signs of intoxication. Garda Kevin Nolan stated that Lucanich successfully provided a breath sample, which returned a result of 94mg per 100ml, but subsequently refused to sign the required statements despite explanations. Lucanich argued she did not understand the legal requirements and was rushed by gardai. Judge Jonathan Dunphy rejected these claims, finding Garda Nolan's evidence meticulous and accepting that Lucanich completed the breath test without difficulty. The judge affirmed the District Court's convictions and sentences. However, he agreed to defer the driving disqualification for a period of six months from the date of the appeal hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman fails in bid to overturn drink driving conviction. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- April 19, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-09-12 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; She was fined €350 and disqualified from driving for three years.
Places mentioned
- District Court Appeals Court
- Ballymun Road
- being observed in the garda station
Topics
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