Longford motorist gets three year ban for drink driving

A woman who pleaded guilty to drink driving will start a three year ban next April. Jennifer Forde (38) of 17 Canal View Prospect Woods, Longford faced a charge that on March 14, 2021 at Drumlish Road she drove with excess alcohol in her system. A charge of driving without insurance will be concluded on December 13.

Sergeant Enda Daly said on the date of the incident officers were called to an incident at 12:30pm. A single vehicle collision saw a Volkswagen Passat collide with a ditch. The officers spoke to the person in the driver's seat, Ms Forde, noting a strong smell of alcohol. The defendant was arrested and in Longford Garda station a breath test returned a reading of 75mg per 100mls of breath.

Solicitor Frank Gearty explained that his client was “not well on the occasion”. Mr Gearty said Ms Forde had “no recollection” of what happened and entered a plea of guilty to the charge.

The single mother of three children works in the community: “She was experiencing some personal difficulties at the time and was keeping in bad company,” Mr Gearty explained.

The solicitor said his client was “in the wrong place, at the wrong time” adding: “She was told she was not the driver, even though she was in the driver's seat. Her friend said she would support her, but did not come to court.”

Mr Gearty said Ms Forde spared the State trouble by entering the guilty plea. He asked the judge to consider postponing the inevitable driving ban until March 1.

Judge John Brennan said: “This is a serious matter. I note the plea of guilty and that fact the defendant has no previous convictions. It is an unfortunate situation and I believe it was a one off.”
The judge imposed a fine of €250, giving Ms Forde six months to pay. The judge imposed a disqualification of three years, to come into effect on April 7. The issue regarding the defendant's insurance will return before the court on December 13.