Two-year ban for drink driving imposed in Leitrim court after car chase

A 31-year-old man has been disqualified from driving for two years following a Boyle chase in which his car was observed driving on the wrong side of the road, the court heard.

Sebastian Francis, of Apartment 1, Bridge Street, Boyle, Co Roscommon, appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court in connection with a series of road traffic offences arising from an incident on March 17, 2024.

Giving evidence, Garda Keane told the court that at approximately 9.15pm, he and Garda Stenson were on duty near the Abbey Roundabout in Boyle when they observed a red Volkswagen enter the roundabout at speed.

“Myself and Garda Stenson observed a red Volkswagen enter the roundabout at speed. We had to brake to avoid him,” Garda Keane told the court.

Gardaí followed the vehicle for approximately a mile and a half before it eventually stopped.

“For part of this journey, the driver was on the wrong side of the road,” Garda Keane said.

Mr Francis was arrested at the scene and later provided a breath specimen, which returned a reading of 56 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

The court heard that Mr Francis had no previous convictions. He was charged with drink driving, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and failing to produce a driving licence.

In sentencing, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she was satisfied to convict on the drink-driving charge. “I’m going to convict and fine €200 and disqualify for two years on that reading,” the judge said.

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