Retired doctor was asleep at the wheel, Kildare court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A RETIRED doctor found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle lost his licence for three years last week (28 April), but at least had the ban postponed until October after his personal circumstances were explained to the judge.
Salaheldin Ahmed (70) with a formal address at Pine Crescent, Drumgola Woods, Cavan town, but now living in Kildangan, appeared in Athy District Court last week for sentencing after his car was discovered on the Monasterevin Road, Athy on 10 February last.
Investigating officer Garda Murphy Brendan Murphy recalled finding the car “with the driver asleep at the wheel”.
“The was a smell of intoxicating liquor, and his eyes were glazed,” said Garda Murphy.
When arrested and brought to the station his intoxiliser reading though not revealed to the court, was high enough to warrant a three-year ban.
His barrister David Staunton addressed Judge Peter White in an attempt to mitigate sentencing.
“Judge, my client is originally from Sudan, is retired, and is currently going through a divorce. There were a number of stressers he was going through at the time, and if he loses his licence he will be under pressure with this because he lives in Kildangan with limited public transport and will need to make arrangements.
"I hope you will take that into consideration,” said Mr Staunton.
“Three years is the minimum ban,” said Judge White.
“Could you defer the ban for six months perhaps?” asked Mr Staunton.
“Inspector?” the judge turned to Inspector Bobby Feery.
“No objections,” he offered.
With that, the judge acceded to Mr Staunton’s request, ordered the ban begin on 28 October, and also fined him €350.
