AFTER checking whether or not he'd be arrested if he failed a roadside breath test, a 31-year-old Bantry man ran away from gardaí shouting: 'Catch me if you can.'

Court presenter, Sgt Tom Mulcahy, said gardaí observed a vehicle being driven erratically at 9.20pm on April 12th 2025 at Lahadane in Bantry

The sergeant said the vehicle driven by Darragh McCarthy (31) of 14 Slip Heights, Bantry, was swerving 'back and forth on the road from Bantry towards Ballylickey.'

Gardaí saw the driver attempt to overtake a lorry, but immediately swerved back because there was oncoming traffic.

After the accused turned right at Donemark, gardaí activated the blue light and pursued him.

Darragh McCarthy drove on for another 300 meters before stopping on private property.

When he got out of the vehicle, the court presenter said gardaí could see that he was unsteady on his feet and that his eyes were glassy.

'It was clear that he was under the influence of an intoxicant,' said Sgt Mulcahy.

When gardaí requested an oral fluid test the accused asked what would happen if he failed the test.

They told him that a fail would mean he'd be arrested and brought to Bantry Garda Station, where he'd be asked to provide a further sample.

Darragh McCarthy then fled shouting: 'Catch me if you can.'

The court presenter said the gardaí weren't able to locate the accused, so they secured his vehicle and brought the keys to the station.

The sergeant said the accused 'rang the station throughout the night and abused the gardaí over the phone.'

Darragh McCarthy told Judge Joanne Carroll he called the station requesting the return of his keys because it had started to rain.

Solicitor Flor Murphy said his client had been living in County Louth, but returned to West Cork two years ago, where he now has full custody of his child.

Mr Murphy said his construction worker client fully accepts that his behaviour that night was unacceptable.

'This is very poor behaviour,' Judge Carroll commented before convicting the accused of driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, and a charge of careless driving.

'He was swerving back and forth on the road attempting to overtake and not responding when the blue light came on. Then he fled from gardaí and phoned them throughout the night,’ the judge noted.

'But given that he is the sole custodian for his daughter I will postpone the disqualification to October 1st,' the judge added.

On that charge, Judge Carroll also imposed a three-month sentence, but suspended it for 12 months on the condition that the accused stay out of trouble.

On the careless driving charge, Judge Carroll imposed a €150 fine. And she addressed Darragh McCarthy saying: 'Hopefully you will put this behind you and move on.'

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.