Man gets 10-year ban for third time drink driving
A MAN who was caught drink driving for a third time and driving while disqualified has been given a four-month suspended sentence and a 10-year driving ban.
Eric Hamilton was warned by Judge Patricia McNamara if he drives again within 10 years he will end up in prison.
Hamilton (42), of Ford de Fyne in Naul, pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance on November 7, 2013, in Naul.
Garda Anthony O'Connor gave evidence that he stopped Hamilton driving and after he checked the car had no insurance and Hamilton had no licence, he got a smell of alcohol from the defendant.
Hamilton was arrested and gave a breath sample of 28mg/100ml breath. The legal drink driving limit is 22mg/100ml breath.
Gda O'Connor said Hamilton has 15 previous convictions, including two for drink driving and two for driving without insurance. He was also under a driving disqualification when he was stopped by Gda O'Connor.
Defence barrister Patrick Jackson said the father-of-two, who is currently unemployed, has battled alcohol most of his adult life.
"He has held his hands up," said Mr Jackson.
"The important thing is that he has to get his drinking under control or he is going to end up in prison if he does this again," remarked Judge McNamara.
Fined
She convicted and sentenced him to four months in prison, which she suspended for two years, for driving without insurance and disqualified him from driving for 10 years.
She also convicted and fined him €750 for drink driving, a further €250 for having no NCT and €300 for driving without a driving licence. She warned Hamilton to stay sober.