Drunk driver involved in Longford New Year's Eve crash ‘won't be driving again’

A man involved in a two-vehicle crash in Drumlish on New Year’s Eve has been disqualified from driving.

Robert Dunka (52), of 20 Mill Oaks, Drumlish, Co Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens last Tuesday at Longford District Court.

The court heard how, on December 31, 2023, at 5pm, Gardaí responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash, where one car pulled out into the path of another.

When speaking with Mr Dunka, Gardaí got a “strong smell of alcohol” from him and requested a breath sample, which detected alcohol in his system.

He was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station, where he provided two further breath samples, which returned a reading of 57mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Solicitor for the defence, Ms Bríd Mimnagh, said Mr Dunka has been living in Ireland for 15 years.

“It was his son's car. It was insured. He accepts he shouldn't have been driving it but he won't be driving again, ever, from what he's telling me,” she said.

“He says he's physically incapable of driving,” she added, referring to a back injury her client suffered.

Judge Owens proceeded to convict and fine Mr Dunka €450 with six months to pay, and disqualified him from driving for four years on the drink driving charge.

On the no insurance charge, she fined him €300 with eight months to pay, and disqualified him for two years. A charge of driving without a licence was taken into consideration.