Drink driver gets 8 months

AN EIGHT-MONTH jail sentence was imposed on the driver of a Nissan Micra who drove into a housing estate and did a handbrake turn in front of a parked Garda car.

Judge Con O’Leary had adjourned sentencing of the driver, Stephen Lowther of Michael Fitzgerald Road, Togher, Cork, on multiple charges to check an issue in relation to the service of a summons on the accused.

The judge was satisfied yesterday that service was in order and he convicted Lowther on several counts.

Garda Kevin McCarthy testified at Cork District Court last week that this incident occurred before 2am on March 22, 2010.

He said that after the car spun around it took off at speed out of the Hollywood Estate and was pursued by gardaí. He told Judge Con O’Leary it pulled in at the church in Knocknaheeny, hitting the kerb as it did.

Lowther was arrested for drink driving and he replied: “I had only a quarter of a can.”

Lowther also gave a false name and address, according to Garda McCarthy.

Gardaí later ascertained who Lowther was and prosecuted him.

Lowther did not show up at Cork District Court for the case against him last week or yesterday.

Garda McCarthy said that in a blood sample Lowther was found to be above the limit for driving.

Judge Con O’Leary imposed a total sentence of eight months for offences including driving while under the influence of cannabis, having no insurance and dangerous driving.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, accepted that Lowther’s failure to appear in court did not help his case.