Drink-driving ex-council official who left woman with 'life-changing' injuries avoids jail

The judge said the retired council official was "extremely lucky" to avoid a jail sentence

Judge Johnson criticised former Westmeath County Council meetings administrator, Billy Coughlan (pictured), for having “a degree of selective amnesia” in his recollection of events leading to the collision which had been “a horrific experience” for the McKennas. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A drunk driver almost four times over the legal limit who caused a head-on collision which left a young Co. Westmeath woman with life-changing injuries has avoided a prison sentence.

Retired council official, Billy Coughlan (65) of Lake Road, Moate, Co. Westmeath, had pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and drink-driving on the N52 at Rochfort Demesne, Mullingar on April 4, 2019.