Five drink drivers win appeals after gardaí fail to show

Five convicted drink drivers won their appeals and avoided driving bans of up to six years yesterday after prosecuting gardaí failed to turn up.

Judge Patrick J Moran at Cork Circuit Appeals Court described the developments as “a breakdown in the administration of justice”. He said he had reluctantly allowed the appeals having been put in a very difficult position by the non-appearance of the gardaí.

The judge said the Garda chief superintendent for the area should be informed of what happened in court. He said the Road Safety Authority would be concerned and that it was a very serious matter for citizens.