Woman Over Six Times Legal Limit Convicted of Drunk Driving in Cork
Macroom, Ireland – A Cork woman has been convicted of drunk driving after being found more than six times over the legal limit and driving while disqualified. Claire Coughlan,56,of New Tipperary,Donoughmore,appeared before macroom District Court on charges stemming from a December 7,2023 incident.
the court heard that Coughlan’s erratic driving prompted another motorist to contact gardaí. The concerned driver reported that Coughlan’s red Toyota Rav 4 jeep had crossed the solid white line, forcing her to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
When gardaí arrived at the scene, they found Coughlan still seated in the driver’s seat. An open bottle of vodka was visible in the footwell,along with other alcohol containers. Coughlan was unable to produce her driving license or insurance certificate and appeared intoxicated, slurring her words.
A subsequent blood alcohol test at Macroom Garda Station revealed a reading of 312mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The legal limit in Ireland is 50mg.
Coughlan’s defense solicitor, Sean Cahill, acknowledged his client’s struggles with addiction and stated that she was seeking treatment. He emphasized that Coughlan lived in a remote area, no longer drove, and was unlikely to get behind the wheel again.
Judge Monika Leech, though, expressed grave concern over the incident, stating that Coughlan’s actions were “extremely serious.” She highlighted the potential for tragedy, saying, “It was only by the grace of God that the other motorist did not become another road casualty.”
Judge Leech noted the lack of remorse from Coughlan and imposed a 10-year driving ban for the drunk driving charge, along with a €200 fine payable within six months. Coughlan also received a two-year driving ban and a €200 fine for driving without insurance. The charge of driving without a licence was taken into consideration.
“It was Only by the Grace of God”: Cork Woman Convicted After Being Found Six Times Over Legal Drinking limit
Macroom, Ireland – In a shocking case, 56-year-old Claire Coughlan from Donoughmore has been convicted of drunk driving after being found more than six times over the legal limit.
Coughlan’s erratic driving on December 7th, 2023, prompted a concerned motorist to contact Gardaí. The driver reported Coughlan’s red Toyota Rav4 jeep crossing the solid white line, forcing her to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Upon arriving at the scene, Gardaí discovered Coughlan still seated in the driver’s seat with an open bottle of vodka visible in the footwell alongside other alcohol containers. Coughlan was unable to produce her driving license or insurance and appeared visibly intoxicated, slurring her words.
A subsequent blood alcohol test at Macroom Garda Station delivered a staggering result of 312mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The legal limit in Ireland is 50mg.
While Coughlan’s defense solicitor,Sean Cahill,acknowledged his client’s ongoing struggles with addiction and stated she was receiving treatment,Judge Monika Leech expressed deep concern over the incident,describing Coughlan’s actions as “extremely serious”.
Judge Leech highlighted the potential for tragedy, stating, “It was only by the grace of God that the other motorist did not become another road casualty”.Noting the lack of remorse displayed by Coughlan, she imposed a 10-year driving ban for the drunk driving charge, along with a €200 fine. Coughlan also received a two-year driving ban and a €200 fine for driving without insurance. The charge of driving without a license was taken into consideration.
