Drink driver addressing alcohol problem, court hears

The man was convicted, fined €350 and disqualified from driving for three years

Macroom District Court was told the defendant failed a roadside breath test, was arrested and taken to Macroom Garda Station. File photo

A Cork man who pleaded guilty to drink driving is addressing his problem with alcohol, a recent sitting of Macroom District Court was told.

Court presenter Sergeant Trish O’Sullivan told the court that gardaí attended a road traffic accident at Aherla More, Aherla, Co. Cork on August 26, 2025. At the scene they found a van that had been involved in a single-vehicle accident.

Sitting down next to the passenger side of the van was 40-year-old Paul Moriarty of Iona Hall, Glasheen Road, Wilton, Cork.

Moriarty who admitted he was the driver of the vehicle appeared to be intoxicated, was slurring his words and his eyes were bloodshot. He failed a roadside breath test, was arrested and taken to Macroom Garda Station.

At the garda station, Moriarty recorded a breath alcohol level of 85mg per 100ml placing him in the three-year mandatory disqualification category as he had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said Moriarty was a full-time carpenter who was a valued employee. The court heard that Moriarty had an alcohol problem and had not driven since the incident. 

Mr Cahill said his client was now attending support services and had good family support.

Judge John King said Moriarty appeared to be addressing the problem and noted that he had no previous convictions and made full admissions. Moriarty was convicted and fined €350 and disqualified from driving for three years.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.