A man who drove to West Cork to take his son fishing for the day ended up crashing his car and receiving a six-year-disqualification after he was convicted at Bantry District Court of drink driving.

Court presenter, Sgt Trish O’Sullivan gave evidence that the accused Aidan Bird (38) of 22 Mahon Drive, Mahon, had a single vehicle collision at Drumaclarig in Glengarriff at 9.30pm on July 17th last.

The accused, who was legally represented by solicitor Flor Murphy, remained at the scene of the accident and made a statement of admission after he was cautioned by Gda Theresa Marie Sheridan.

The garda noted that the accused’s 10-year-old son had been a passenger in the front seat of the car. The gardaí administered a breath test which showed that the accused was over the legal limit.

The court presenter informed Judge Teresa Kelly that the accused has a previous conviction that was recorded against him at Macroom District Court in 2020 and that he had, on that occasion, been disqualified for a two-year period.

The alcohol level found in the accused’s system in July should have resulted in a further three-year driving ban, but because both offences happened within a four-year timeframe, the accused will be disqualified from driving for a six-year period, starting on January 2nd.

In mitigation, Mr Murphy said his client had been dealing with anxiety and depression. The solicitor said this was supposed to have been a day out fishing with his son, but during the day he consumed alcohol.

‘He realises he made a dreadful mistake,’ said Mr Murphy. ‘But to be fair to him, he didn’t try to evade detection. He shouldn’t have done it. He ‘fessed up and said: “I am guilty”.’

Judge Treasa Kelly acknowledged that the accused had taken responsibility for his actions. ‘You were a lucky man that you didn’t injure yourself or your 10-year-old son,’ she added. ‘I hope you have learned your lesson.’

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.