A CORK motorist who was involved in a single vehicle road collision has received a three-year driving ban after being found over the legal drink driving limit.

Paul Moriarty (40) of Iona Hall, Glasheen Road, Cork city pleaded guilty at Macroom District Court to driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, while a charge of careless driving was withdrawn by the prosecution.

Sgt Trish O’Sullivan told Judge John King that at 4.45pm on August 26th last gardaí received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision at Aherlamore, Aherla.

‘On arrival they met with the accused who was sitting down next to the passenger side of his van. He told them that he had been driving and was involved in the accident,’ said Sgt O’Sullivan.

‘His speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot and gardaí carried out a roadside breath test which he failed. He was arrested and brought to Macroom Garda Station.’

A breath specimen taken at the garda station gave a reading of 85mgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath, which carries a three year disqualification.

The court heard that Mr Moriarity has no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said his client is employed full-time as a carpenter.

‘His van was damaged from the collision and he hasn’t drank since. He realises he has a drink problem and is attending AA meetings and going for counselling to address his alcohol addiction,’ said Mr Cahill, who added that his client has good family support.

Judge King noted that the Mr Moriarty is addressing his underlying problem and made full admissions to gardaí.

He disqualified him from driving for three years and convicted and fined him €350.