Drunk flagged down a Garda car and asked for lift to Skibbereen

Accused, who did not show up in court, was prosecuted for being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others

The judge said asking the gardai for a lift home was out of order. File image

A 26-year-old man staggering around the middle of Bandon Road in Cork City flagged down a Garda patrol car, leaned in the window, and asked for a spin home to Skibbereen.

The matter came before Cork District Court, where Callum Fahy, of Chapel Lane, Skibbereen, was prosecuted for being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others.

Garda Noelle O’Dwyer testified that on August 13, 2024, shortly before lunchtime, she was travelling along Bandon Road in Bishopstown in a marked Garda patrol car.

She noticed that cars in front were swerving on the road. It emerged that they were manoeuvring to avoid Callum Fahy, who was standing out in front of the traffic on the road.

As gardaí got closer, the 26-year-old flagged them down, looking for a lift. He was intoxicated and had a strong smell of alcohol, and was slurring his speech.

“He leaned in the window of the patrol car and requested a spin home to Skibbereen,” Garda O’Dwyer testified.

Judge Mary Dorgan asked: “And did you bring him home?”

Garda O’Dwyer replied: “No, Judge.”

The defendant made no appearance in the case against him.

Judge Dorgan said: “He knows the case is on, he has not turned up. I am going to fine him €350. I am taking into consideration that he could have been killed or caused an accident.

"And his attitude to the guards on Bandon Road looking or lift home to Skibbereen — no.”