Drink driver banned and fined at Kilkenny Court

A driver who got behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol was fined €600 and banned from driving for three years at a recent sitting of Kilkenny District Court.

Davan O’Brien, 22 Oak Hill, Pallatine, Co Carlow was convicted of the offence at the Dinan Bridge in Jenkinstown, Co Kilkenny on May 2, 2025.

On the date in question the accused was driving in Jenkinstown when he was involved in a collision close to the Dinan Bridge.

The court heard that the defendant ‘misjudged the bridge and collided with a lorry’.

There were no injuries as a result of the collision.

The defendant subsequently provided a urine reading which showed 352mg of alcohol per 100 millitres of urine.

The court also heard that the defendant has previous convictions for drugs-related offences, burglary, thefts and criminal damage.

Solicitor Chris Hogan told the court that his client was ‘in a bad place and drinking way too much at the time’.

“He accepts that he could have caused an injury to himself or others,” said Mr Hogan adding that his client is now back working.

Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted the defendant and imposed a €600 fine and disqualified him from driving for three years.

“This plea has saved you from custody, it is only for the grace of God that you didn’t injure a third party or yourself. Driving with this reading is simply inexcusable, added the judge.