Driver who had been drinking ends up lost in Kerry Group car park, Kildare court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A DRIVER who had been drinking got confused on one of the roundabouts at the new Sallins, couldn’t understand why there was a red and white barrier across the road and ended up having to pay €8,500 to the Kerry Group
for breaking two car-park entry barriers.
On eventually reaching the outskirts of Clane, he crashed into Digby Bridge, he was “very abusive”, called attending gardaí “c**ts” and refused to give a sample, thereby getting a mandatory four-year ban.
All of this unfolded in Naas District Court this week (1 May) when 39-year-old Andrei Donos, Silken Vale, Maynooth appeared before Judge John Brennan for sentence on the six charges incurred on that night.
Sergeant Mary Meade outlined the events of 1 April 2023 for the court.
“On the night in question, the defendant stopped at the Kerry Group headquarters on Millennium Road in Naas, was confused about the barrier into the car park, stopped, then forced it up and down until it was broken,” she said.
“He drove around the car park and forced a second barrier the same way to get out, causing a total of €8,600 worth of damage,” she said.
“He was identified on CCTV,” she added.
“Then, around 5am, he crashed into Digby Bridge. When the gardaí arrived, they observed a man standing by his car drunk and very abusive.
“He called the guards c**ts and got very aggressive.
“He was arrested and taken to Naas Garda Station, but when attended by (named doctor) he failed to provide blood or urine.
As Donos had already pleaded guilty, the sergeant was able to list his eight previous convictions – six of which were for road traffic offences – including one for no insurance for which he received a one-year ban, and also a S107, failing to give a sample.
“He also has three post convictions for public order,” she added.
“My client has taken the time since to save the money (for restitution),” said defending solicitor Dave Powderly.
“He wishes to apologise, he had some alcohol on, he turned off roundabout he was taking on the Clane Road, was lost and tried to get into the car park,” he explained.
“Then he tried to allow himself out of the car park again by lifting the other barrier,” he added.
“Accepted by the state?” asked Judge Brennan.
“I won’t contest it,” said Sgt Meade.
In mitigation, Mr Powderly explained that his client has a partner – who accompanied him to court – with three children, and he runs a takeaway in Crumlin.
“He works long hours but has come up with the money to compensate the injured party,” he said.
“He apologises to the gardaí and is willing to engage in some community service and would live out a suspended sentence,” he added.
“The compensation is in cash – which I’m sure the sergeant will love!” joked Mr Powderly, as he handed over one fat envelope.
“It actually is quite confusing there with all the different roundabouts, so I’d imagine particularly so if inebriated,” said Judge Brennan.
“It wasn’t a deliberate act, there’s some context, but it was appalling behaviour with An Garda Síochána, with expletives used and a refusal to engage,” noted the judge.
“The aggravating nature of the previous convictions have been diluted over time and I have some sympathy with the defendant over the difficulties of his business, but I have seriously considered a custodial sentence, but given the fact that full compensation was paid, he was inebriated, I was considering a suspended sentence, but fines will be implemented,” said the judge.
He fined Donos a total of €700 on four of the counts and gave him a mandatory four-year ban for the refusal to give a sample, deferring implementation for six months to allow the defendant make other arrangements for work.
