‘Triggering offence’: Man caught drink driving in Longford hit with 15 years road ban

A father of six, who was caught drink driving for a third time, has been disqualified from driving for 15 years and directed to complete 240 hours of community service.

Joseph Jessop (44) of 58 Tower View, Mullingar, Westmeath was in Longford District Court charged with driving without insurance, having no drivers licence, failing to produce insurance and driving over the legal limit.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí  observed a vehicle driving in the middle of the Dublin Rd in Longford town on September 7, 2024 at 2.45am.

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When the officer stopped the vehicle they spoke to the driver, Mr Jessop.

The Gardaí  noted there was a strong smell of alcohol and the defendant was brought to Longford Garda station.

Mr Jessop's reading was 13mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, where the legal limit for a specified driver is 9mg per 100ml of blood.

The court heard such a low level of alcohol would generally be dealt with by a ticket, however, because Mr Jessop was banned from driving at the time he was a 'specified driver.

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The defendant had 16 previous convictions and was disqualified for 10 years for dangerous driving at a previous court sitting on January 3, 2024.

Sgt Mahon stated two of the convictions were for drink driving and this latest September 2024 matter was a 'triggering offence'.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said Mr Jessop is currently working in a garage but he does not do the driving.

Judge Bernadette Owens, who requested a community service report be compiled on the defendant last January, heard he was deemed to be suitable.

She imposed the lengthy driving ban and the community service in lieu of six months imprisonment as well as a €500 fine with six months to pay.

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