Longford man caught drink driving after socialising watching match 'very apologetic'

A young rugby coach has been convicted of drink driving and handed a two year road ban.

Jaden Boshoff (24) of 13, Sycamore Close, Clonbalt Woods, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to drink driving at Church Street on April 6, last year.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the State, said gardai stopped and spoke to the defendant at 11.10pm and he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

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The defendant was brought to Longford Garda Station where a breath test gave a reading of 56mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
The legal limit is 22mg.

Sgt Mahon said there was no insurance on the vehicle and Mr Boshoff was charged with both offences.

Mr Boshoff had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said there had been insurance on the vehicle and the issue, but it did not cover his then 23 year-old client due to is age.

"He was born in Natal in South Africa and he arrived in Ireland in September 2024 and he came straight to Longford where he plays rugby and he is a very important part of the coaching staff in the rugby club.

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"I'm told that he is a superb exponent of that game and he is imparting the skills to the youngsters."

Mr Gearty said his client has also got work in a local factory and he had been watching a Man United football match on television some hours before he was detected and he had a few drinks.

"He thought he might be okay, but there was still enough to bring him over the limit and he is very apologetic."

Mr Gearty said Longford Rugby Club manager Gerard Carthy was supporting the defendant in court and he was highly regarded and a popular member of the club.

Judge Bernadette Owens considered the case and Mr Boshoff's lack of previous convictions.

She convicted the defendant and she imposed a €450 fine with five months to pay and she disqualified the him from driving for the mandatory two years based on the reading.

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