Donegal man fined and disqualified for driving under the influence

A Donegal man who came to Derry for a night out but realised no accommodation had been booked for him to stay phoned his mother to come and get him but was caught driving his vehicle while under the influence. 

Jake Sweeney (18) of Roshine Arches in Dungloe, County Donegal admitted a charge of driving with excess alcohol on April 25.

The court heard that CCTV operators observed Sweeney getting into his vehicle at Bank Place and it was believed he had consumed alcohol. 

Police came upon the vehicle in Bishop Street and there was a smell of alcohol. 

A subsequent evidential breath test revealed a reading of 42mgs, 7mgs over the legal limit. 

Sweeney admitted having consumed alcohol. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client had come to the city for a night out but his friend who was meant to have booked accommodation failed to do so.

He said that Sweeney phoned his mother who drove from Donegal to fetch him.

She advised him to move his car as it was parked where it might cause an obstruction and it was while he was doing this police arrived.

Sweeney was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £250.