Louth HSE worker’s BMW veered on road almost colliding with traffic island
A 45-year-old woman who drove “erratically” late at night has been fined and disqualified for drink driving.
Niamh Croke, Dromin Manor, Dromin, Co. Louth, contested the charge for an offence which occurred on the N52 at Crumlin, Dundalk.
However, the district court rejected an application for a dismissal concerning the 20-minute observation period before a breath sample is taken.
Judge Nicola Andrews imposed a €2,500 fine and two-year disqualification on Ms Croke, who is employed in Disability Services with the HSE.
Det Gda Shane Murphy testified that at 11.27pm on June 15, 2025, he saw a blue BMW on the Dublin Road travelling south.
This car veered over and back on a white line on several occasions and almost collided with a traffic island.
It turned right onto the N52 without indicating at which point he activated the blue lights and siren on his vehicle.
The BMW failed to stop, driving erratically through Mullaharlin and into Crumlin.
Det Gda Murphy continued that the driver was doing “no great speed” but didn’t stop. The car mounted a kerb on a roundabout and kept going before coming to a halt at 11.31pm, 90 seconds after he had initially signalled.
On speaking to the driver he got a smell of drink. Her speech was slurred and her reactions slow.
The witness said that at 11.34pm he formed his opinion (that an offence had been committed) and arrested Niamh Croke for drink driving.
At Dundalk Garda Station he explained the Evidenzer process, and said that he observed the defendant at all times during the 20-minute period before breath samples are taken by the machine.
An over the limit reading of 51mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath resulted.
Gda Murphy said that Ms Croke didn’t sign either statement of the result and retained one of them.
The court heard that she made a phone call in the middle of the observation period.
Defence counsel Niall Mackin said during the 20-minute period there had to be “nil by mouth” by the accused.
A phone call transpired which was not noted by gardaí.
Garda Inspector Martina Gallagher said that “nil by mouth” would have been retained.
Judge Andrews said she was satisfied that the observation period was in order.
The court heard of a previous no insurance conviction.
Mr Mackin said the loss of his client’s licence will impact on her employment.
Bail to appeal was set at a €1,000 personal bond with €1,000 cash lodged.