Man told to take taxi by Kilkenny Gardaí, later arrested for drink driving

A man who was advised by gardaí to take a taxi home from Kilkenny City centre, because he had drink taken, was later observed driving and narrowly avoided an accident.

Onum Ndukwe, 86 Roscaoin, Roscam, Galway, pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving at Kilkenny District Court.

Inspector Alma Molloy told the court that on May 31, 2022, gardaí who were dealing with a matter in the bus parking area in the city noticed a car parked up nearby.
Gardaí spoke to Mr Ndukwe, who was in the car, and had drink taken.

Mr Ndukwe told the gardaí he was staying at a hotel outside the city and he was advised to get a taxi back there. He said he would.
He got into the passenger side of his vehicle and the gardaí left the area.

Garda cameras observed Mr Ndukwe then get back into the driver’s seat. Patrolling gardaí were alerted.

Gardaí met Mr Ndukwe on the ring road. They followed him and he drove out the Waterford Road, narrowly avoiding an accident at the roundabout.
Mr Ndukwe eventually stopped at the second roundabout on the Waterford Road.
He was arrested and taken to Kilkenny Garda Station.
A urine sample showed 275mgs of alcohol per 100mls.
He had no previous convictions.

A solicitor for Mr Ndukwe apologised in court for his client. At the time he was going through marital difficulties, drank too much alcohol and made a poor decision to drive.

In anticipation of a conviction and driving disqualification Mr Ndukwe is planning to change his job. His relationship with his wife has been restored, the court heard.

Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted Mr Ndukwe of drink driving and imposed a fine of €250.
He was disqualified from driving for three years, to begin from September 1, 2023.