Louth plumber ‘played ducks and drakes’ at Garda station after drink driving arrest

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 41-year-old plumber twice pulled his arm away as a doctor tried to take a blood sample following his arrest for suspected drink driving, the district court has heard.

Adrian Keenan, Old Road, Bellurgan, Dundalk, contested charges of drink driving and refusing to provide a sample, stemming from an incident last year.

He was cleared of the first alleged offence but fined and disqualified on the refusal matter.

Judge Nicola Andrews said the defendant had “played ducks and drakes” at the station.

"I don’t like a word about what I’ve heard about his behaviour.”

A garda testified that at 10.18pm on May 8, 2024, while on mobile patrol she saw a white Ford Transit “driving fully” on the hard shoulder on the R173 at Ballymascanlon. It swerved and was “half” on the hard shoulder.

The blue lights were activated and the van pulled over.

Mr Keenan was asked for and produced a driving licence. His eyes were glassy, speech slurred and there was a smell of drink from him. He was arrested at 10.20pm.

At Dundalk Garda Station, the witness continued, the defendant said he would not provide a breath sample after an Evidenzer garda had completed his 20-minute observation period. He asked for a doctor.

A doctor arrived and attempted to take a blood sample. The needle was “in for about a second” when he pulled his arm away.

A new blood kit was obtained. Mr Keenan pulled his arm away for a second time.

The doctor deemed it too dangerous to try to take another sample.

The prosecuting garda said she gave the accused the urine option. He said that he had a medical condition and couldn’t urinate.

Barrister Ronan O’Carroll submitted that the evidence fell short of drink driving. A smell of drink “that’s the height of it”.

Regarding the refusal, it was the doctor who ultimately made the decision not to continue. There was no evidence the accused failed to comply with what the garda asked as charged.

Garda Inspector Martina Gallagher said that the van went on the hard shoulder and “back across”. There was evidence of the manner of driving and a smell of drink.

There was also evidence that he got an opportunity to provide a sample.

Judge Andrews said that the court was satisfied the refusal charge had been proved.

Details were given of six previous convictions, including for two hit and run charges, and two counts of dangerous driving.

Mr O’Carroll said that his client was a plumber and father of one. He required his vehicle at all times. The yard from which he worked was 40 minutes away.

"I don’t like a word about what I’ve heard about his behaviour at the station,” the judge remarked.

“It was appalling behaviour. He played ducks and drakes at the station and continued to play that game.”

Judge Andrews asked Mr O’Carroll why shouldn’t she put the defendant into custody.

Counsel replied that he couldn’t argue with “ducks and drakes” being played, but for the other part of the night Mr Keenan’s behaviour appeared fine. No handcuffs were used.

He made a foolish mistake. He accepted his behaviour was “foolish, silly and wrong” but was not out of disrespect to any personnel.

A €2,500 fine was imposed, 6 months to pay, along with a four-year driving disqualification.

Bail to appeal was set at a personal bond of €500 with €500 cash lodged.