A MACROOM man who was caught driving his Jaguar while over the legal limit for alcohol has been disqualified from driving for three years.

Thomas Heffernan (51) of Eldermount House, Sleaveen West, Macroom, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Macroom District Court. 

The court heard that on October 21st last, gardaí received a report form a member of the public that the defendant had got into his grey Jaguar car after consuming alcohol.

Gardaí stopped him in his vehicle at around 10.20pm at Gurteenroe and took an alcohol breath test before taking him to Macroom Garda station.

The test showed 22mgs of alcohol in 100ml of breath, which was just over the legal limit.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said his client had since been in residential alcohol treatment. He said his client is employed as a housing officer for a housing agency. 

The court heard that the accused had no previous convictions. 

Judge Joanne Carroll said the incident showed a huge error of judgement, on his part but the fact that he has attended residential treatment showed he was dealing with his issue.

Mr Cahill sought a deferral of the disqualification until August 1st for his client.

Judge Carroll disqualified disqualified him from driving for three years effective from August 1st.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.