Motorist refused to give blood specimen following overturning car in Limerick

A JUDGE disqualified a man from driving for 10 years after he overturned a car, had to be restrained by people at the scene and refused to give a blood specimen.

Jonathon Meagher, aged 42, of Flood Street, Killalee, Limerick city pleaded guilty to driving without a licence, insurance and refusing to give a blood specimen.

Sergeant Sean Murray, prosecuting, said gardai received a report of a car overturned on the North Circular Road in Limerick city on December 9, 2023.

“He was being restrained by other people. He had injuries to his face. Mr Meagher was taken to UHL, Limerick District Court  heard.

“He remained quite uncooperative at the hospital. He was quite verbally aggressive. He subsequently refused to provide a specimen of his blood to a doctor,” said Sgt Murray.

The prosecuting sergeant said Mr Meagher has 15 previous convictions including one for drink driving, one drunk in charge, intoxication and driving without insurance. John Herbert, solicitor for Mr Meagher, said his client is 42-years old.

“He has had a problem with alcohol all his life,” said Mr Herbert.

Judge Patricia Harney said Mr Meagher overturned a car, had to be restrained by people and was highly abusive to gardai.

“He’s lucky to be alive,” said Judge Harney.

Mr Herbert said that is acknowledged.

Judge Harney said refusing to give a sample is serious. “He is in serious jeopardy (of going to prison). There is an attitude there and it is putting everybody at risk,” said Judge Harney.

The judge imposed a three-month jail sentence which she suspended for two years for refusing to give a blood specimen and put Mr Meagher off the road for five years. Judge Harney disqualified Mr Meagher from driving for 10 years and fined him €1,000 for driving without insurance. The defendant was also fined €250 for driving without a licence.

Judge Harney told Mr Meagher if he comes before the court again “you are likely to be an inmate in Limerick Prison”.