Dundalk court: Fined and given ban for drunk driving

Gardaí responding to reports of a car being taken, found it lodged in an embankment, with a number of people trying to push it free, Dundalk district court heard last week.

Jack Bell (21) of Cedarwood Park, Dundalk was convicted in his absence of drunk driving arising out of the incident at Annaverna Drive, Ard Easmuinn on May 9th 2021.

A Garda told the court last Wednesday that the owner of a Seat Leon reported to gardai that her car had been taken from outside her house following an argument with her boyfriend.

They subsequently found it had struck a wall in Ard Easmuinn and a number of males were attempting to push it free.

The garda said the engine was running and he heard a noise that appeared to be an effort to put it into gear.

Those who were trying to free the car fled the scene, the defendant had exited the vehicle and attempted to flee.

He added he was very abusive towards gardai, was unsteady on his feet and there was a strong smell of alcohol off him and refused to give his details.

He was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan convicted him on the basis of the garda’s evidence and after hearing he had no previous convictions, imposed a €300 fine with a two year driving ban.

Recognizance was fixed on his own bond of €300 and an independent surety with €500 cash to be lodged.