Drink driver failed to get taxi

Wednesday, 24 November 2010 12:21

A man who pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving at Westport District Court had attempted unsuccessfully to hire a taxi shortly before he was arrested for drunken driving. Before the court was Paul McGing, Tonaglee, Aughagower, Westport, and he was convicted of the offence, which occurred on March 18. The defendant provided a blood sample, which was analysed at having 157mg alcohol to 100ml blood. Defending solicitor, Mr. James Ward, said his client had attempted to get a taxi to bring him home but four operators said it was not convenient for them.
Mr. Ward said he was not using it as an excuse but he said he believed the taxi operators had a social responsibility.
He said it was his understanding from discussions with the gardaí that it was an issue in Westport.
Mr. Ward also said the defendant had effectively disqualified himself as he had put the car away and not driven since. He worked as a barman and had never come to the notice of the gardaí before this incident.
Judge Mary Devins said she agreed that PSV licence holders had certain obligations.
However, she could only rule on the evidence and she disqualified the defendant from driving for three years, endorsed his driving licence and fined him €400.