'Will become a familiar face on the train': Longford resident disqualified from driving for two years

A Longford town resident who was caught drink driving and driving without insurance has been disqualified from driving for two years.

Simeon Simwanjere (23) of Battery Court, Longford pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence on February 11, 2024.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Garda Rachel Carlin observed the defendant and his 'manner of driving' while he was turning left at Annaly Park, Longford at 1.25am and she stopped and spoke to him.

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"Garda Carlin noticed his eyes were glassed, his speech was slurred and there was a smell of intoxicating liquor coming from the vehicle," he added.

A roadside breath test was carried out which the defendant failed and he was arrested on suspicion of being intoxicated.

Sgt Daly said the defendant failed to provide a sufficient breath sample on three occasions at Longford Garda Station.

The court heard a doctor was called and attended the station and the defendant opted for a blood sample to be taken.

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Sgt Daly said the subsequent blood test gave a reading of 62mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

The court heard Mr Simwanjere was on a learner permit.

The defendant had eight previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty stated his client was making an effort to change his behaviour and he appealed for leniency.

"He has got his act together, he has got a good job and a child.

“Regretfully, he was over the limit, but he will suffer very severe consequences and he will become a familiar face on the train,” he added.

Judge Bernadette Owens said she was unable to give the defendant a chance with both drink driving and no insurance offences.

She imposed the driving ban and a €850 fine with nine months to pay.