A BANDON motorist caught drink driving on St Stephen’s Day and ‘very significantly over the limit’ has been disqualified from driving for three years.

Michael Flannery, of 17 St Brigid’s Terrace, Bandon pleaded guilty at Bandon District Court to a drink driving charge.

Sgt Eimear O’Connell told the court that at 2.35pm on December 26th last in Bandon Gda Crowley was on patrol when he came across a car with the engine running with the defendant was sitting in the driver’s seat.

‘Mr Flannery opened his window and there was a strong smell of alcohol coming from him. He was arrested and brought to Bandon Garda Station and a breath sample taken from him gave a reading of 70mcgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath,’ said Sgt O’Connell.

The court heard he has 24 previous convictions with one for drink driving dating back 20 years.

Defence solicitor Myra Dinneen said this was a most unfortunate situation for her client, who is originally from Cork city but lives in Bandon and has three children.

‘This happened on St Stephen’s Day and the disqualification will have huge consequences for him. He has previously formed a company but that is gone now,’ said Ms
Dinneen.

She said he is currently working in roofing and was planning to take on two more workers, seeking a deferral of the disqualification.

Judge Joanne Carroll said he was ‘very significantly’ over the limit and she disqualified him from driving for three years, postponed until October 1st.