Louth convicted killer refused to provide breath sample after traffic stop

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 42-year-old convicted killer has been fined and disqualified from driving after he refused to provide breath samples following his arrest on suspicion of drink driving.

Charles Hutchinson, Dowdalls Crescent, Newry Road, Dundalk, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, the final year suspended, for the manslaughter of Laurence ‘Michael’ McGeown (60).

He was found guilty by a jury following a “one punch” incident which occurred in Fagan’s Pub, Castletown Road, Dundalk, in 2014.

The sentence was reduced on appeal to five years, the final year suspended.

Regarding the matter which had Mr Hutchinson before the district court this week, Inspector Sara-Ann White said that at 9.10pm on March 18, 2024, gardaí on mobile patrol in Barrack Street, Dundalk, saw a car in front go from the right to the left lane at a junction, forcing them to brake to avoid a collision.

This vehicle was stopped on St Alphonsus Road. The defendant’s eyes were dilated and his speech slurred. He said that he had taken alcohol.

He was unsteady on his feet when stepping out of the car.

Inspector White continued that Mr Hutchinson subsequently refused to provide a breath sample or one of blood or urine.

The court heard of 23 previous convictions, the most recent in 2018, including for manslaughter, and ten for Road Traffic matters, among them one for each of drink driving and no insurance.

Solicitor Conor MacGuill said that his client, who pleaded guilty, was in a relationship. He had a son and stepchildren, and was in receipt of €180 social welfare per-week.

He regretted what happened. He didn't co-operate.

For refusing to comply with a request for two samples of breath, a €500 fine and four-year disqualification were imposed.

Judge Michael Ramsey fined the defendant a further €500 for no insurance and €250 for driving without a licence.

Other documentary charges were taken into consideration.