Three year ban for drunk and uninsured motorist who was driving erratically in Longford

A drunk motorist, who was detected after Gardaí received reports of erratic' driving, has received a three year driving ban.

Ramanas Dajutis of Gort Fionnbarra, Commons Road, Navan, county Meath pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to drink driving and driving without insurance and an NCT at Tinnynarr, Edgeworthstown on June 8, 2024.

The defendant also pleaded guilty to a third charge of failing to produce his insurance policy documents.

Sergeant Enda Daly, court presenter, said Gardaí received reports of a motorist driving erractically at Daybreak filling station in Edgeworthstown at 9.20pm.

Also read: Woman rushing for job interview fined by Longford judge for parking in disabled bay

“It drove towards the exit area of the forecourt,” Sgt Daly said. “The vehicle was stopped by Gardaí and asked to remain stationary but he continued to drive to a parking area along the wall.”

Gardaí spoke to the defendant who exited the car and “ there was a very strong smell of alcohol” from him and he unsteady on his feet and subsequently arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

A test was carried out at Longford Garda Station which gave a reading of 77mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

The legal limit is 22mg.

Mr Dajutis had four previous convictions.

Also read: Longford Circuit Court jury returns guilty verdict on brothers accused of defilement of sister

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client previously worked part-time with Bord na Móna and he is currently out of work.

However, the legal representative stated Mr Dajutis is due to start a new job in Edgeworthstown in the near future.

"He is extremely sorry, he is a man who I would say if it were not for his difficulty with drink he would not be coming to the courts attention at all, he would be working away," he said. “He is hoping to get a job in Edgeworthstown and he would have to make his own way so he is moving address and he is very apologetic.”

Also read: Longford man who stole wallet from a passenger on train receives concurrent sentence

Mr Gearty said the separated father of two is separted is battling an addiction issue and he is very eager to turn his life around.

Judge Bernadette Owens convicted the defendant, imposed a three year driving ban and she fined him €450 with seven months to pay.

Also read: Longford woman who collided with and seriously injured man on e-scooter avoids ban for careless driving