A MAN from Carrigaline was prosecuted for driving with excess alcohol after he was involved in a collision at Pearson's Bridge in Ballylickey.

Alexander Tsokilauri (67) of No 4 The Orchards, Heron Wood, Carrigaline, was also charged with careless driving following the incident in the townland of Ardnacloughy on January 30th last.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy said gardaí were called to a two-vehicle collision and they found the accused's vehicle at an angle on the roadway.

The sergeant said Gda Theresa Sheridan noticed there was a strong smell of alcohol from the accused's breath and she formed the opinion that he was incapable of having proper control of his vehicle.

The accused was arrested and brought to Bantry Garda Station where a blood sample showed that he had exceeded the legal limit.

Flor Murphy, solicitor, appeared at Bantry District Court on behalf of the married father of three.

He told Judge Joanne Carroll that the accused had not consumed alcohol for 13 years prior to this incident.

On this occasion, the solicitor said his client had received some bad news and he had consumed whiskey.

Given that the accused has no previous convictions of any kind, Judge Carroll said she would not impose a monetary penalty on the charge of driving with excess alcohol, but she was obliged by law to disqualify Alexander Tsokilauri from driving for a period of three years.

On the careless driving charge, Judge Carroll convicted the accused and imposed a €275 fine before advising him to 'put this behind you and move on’.