Four-year ban for motorist after guilty plea to Mayo driving offence

A 47-year-old man has been disqualified from driving for four years after pleading guilty to a road traffic offence at Castlebar District Court.

Gary Kneafsey, Ballymoneen, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, appeared before Judge Vincent Deane in relation to offences under the Road Traffic Act.

The court heard that on November 12, 2024, gardaí at Castlebar Garda Station were called to a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision in the Tullyrehins area.

During the course of the investigation, Kneafsey was required to produce documentation but failed to do so, as well as give a blood sample for intoxicants, resulting in a Section 12 offence.

The court was told the accused also faced a charge of driving without a licence.

It was noted that Kneafsey has two previous convictions dating back to 2002 in Ballina, relating to a drink-driving offence.

Defence solicitor Mr. Dermot Morahan said his client lives with his elderly father, has no children, and has struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse.

He said Kneafsey had previously attended Cuain Mhuire, but the programmes were unsuccessful. However, following this incident, the court heard that the accused borrowed money from his sister “at considerable expense” to undertake a private treatment programme in County Louth.

Mr. Morahan said his client has since been discharged from the programme and is now attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings twice daily. He is also undertaking the 12-step recovery process and is currently on step four.

Judge Vincent Deane noted the guilty plea and imposed a four-year disqualification from driving.