Six months off road for Limerick motorist following ‘low reading’

A MAN was put off the road for six months for drink driving after he was stopped at a garda checkpoint in west Limerick.

Kleyce Dhones, aged 38, of Daar River View, Gortboy, Newcastle West pleaded guilty, at the local court, to the offence.

Inspector Gearoid Thompson, prosecuting, said gardai were operating a checkpoint at Gortboy, Newcastle West on February 29, 2021.

“Gardai were alerted by the driving of the defendant. He was stopped and an opinion was formed that he was driving under the influence of an intoxicant. He was arrested and conveyed to Rathkeale garda station,” said Insp Thompson.

The court heard the defendant provided a reading of 33mgs of alcohol per 100mls of blood.

“It is a low reading. He has no previous convictions,” said Insp Thompson.

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Donal Cronin BL, who represented Mr Dhones, said his client came to the state in 2020.

“He is in full-time employment. He is a man with two dependent children. He is of good character and works very hard,” said Mr Cronin.

The barrister said his client apologises to gardai and is “ashamed and embarrassed”. “He regrets any difficulties caused,” said Mr Cronin. 

Judge Carol Anne Coolican convicted and fined Mr Dhones €500.

She disqualified him from driving for six months.