Driver fell down drunk while trying to flee gardaí

Driver fell down drunk while trying to flee gardaí


A NEWPORT man who was convicted of dangerous driving and driving under the influence  was disqualified from driving for four years at last week’s sitting of Westport District Court.
Ray Collins (34) of Cahergall, Newport, pleaded guilty to the offences, which took place on June 29, 2014.
At approximately 6.10pm that evening, Mr Collins was reported driving erratically on the Newport to Westport road. The court heard that Mr Collins failed to stop his car for gardaí, and that when he finally came to a stop at the New Road, Westport, he attempted to flee, but was so drunk he kept falling over.  
Supt Joe McKenna explained that when Mr Collins failed to stop for gardaí he overtook a car on a bend at Deerpark East, Westport, and another vehicle had to swerve out of his way because his car was going straight for it.
When Mr Collins’ car turned down New Road, he only stopped because of traffic, and when he got out of the car he fell over twice as he tried to run from the gardaí.
Mr Collins was arrested and brought to Westport Garda Station. Following an examination by Dr Jerry Cowley of Westdoc, it was determined that Mr Collins was intoxicated to such an extend he was incapable of controlling a motorised vehicle.
The court later heard that when the blood sample was tested by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, they were not satisfied with it and a reading was not issued. Mr Collins was nevertheless charged with driving while under the influence of an intoxicant.
Supt McKenna revealed that Mr Collins had a previous drink driving conviction dating back to 2005 when he received a three-month disqualification.
Ms Sheila Ryan, solicitor for the defendant, said the incident was a wake-up call for her client and that he has transformed himself since. Mr Collins, she said was appalled at his behaviour and had apologised to the gardaí and to Dr Cowley. She explained that he worked on the family farm and that the loss of his licence would affect him badly. As well as disqualifying Mr Collins from driving for four years, Judge Mary Devins also imposed a fine totalling €600.