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.

Reynolds said he drove from St Stephen’s Hospital in Glanmire, Cork, to get treatment for persistent pain in his leg on July 21, 2010. He accepted that as he drove along Ringmahon Road afterwards, he was not in complete control of the car as a result of the injury but did not feel his driving was erratic or dangerous.

Reynolds said he had taken paracetamol, Brufen and Nurofen Plus for the pain. He had taken two Nurofen that morning and two 12 hours previously.

A GP, Dr Kukaswadia, who called to the Bridewell Garda Station after gardaí arrested Reynolds, said the Nurofen Plus contained codeine.

The judge said: “He was taking Nurofen Plus which had codeine. That is an opiate. He was not in proper control of his vehicle… He comes within the definition of being incapable, so I have to find him guilty.”

Insp Anthony Dineen said in evidence that Reynolds, with over 20 years experience as a psychiatric nurse, should have known that he should not have been driving after taking that amount of medication.