Driver banned after codeine dose

A PSYCHIATRIC nurse stopped by gardaí on suspicion of drink driving while driving home from hospital after treatment for a leg injury tested negative for alcohol but positive for opiates after taking an over-the-counter medicine.

Ronan Reynolds, of Culrua, Aglish, Cappoquin, Co Waterford, was yesterday convicted of driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, namely an opiate-class drug.

After hearing Reynolds was convicted of drink driving seven years ago, Judge Leo Malone imposed a fine of €600 for the offence and disqualified him from driving for six years, which will come into effect on July 1.