Driver locked himself in house when Cork garda requested oral sample

A man who locked himself in his house when he was asked to provide an oral fluid sample to gardaí has pleaded guilty to obstruction and refusing to provide a sample. 

Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Clonakilty District Court that the incident occurred on April 28, 2024, in Clonakilty at 4.30pm in the afternoon.

Giving evidence, Garda Shane Gray said that he stopped a vehicle being driven by Karol Siwek, aged 25, at Stonewood in Clonakilty. 

Mr Siwek was asked to provide his licence and tax and insurance details. Gda Gray said that Mr Siwek produced a learner driver permit and he was then asked to provide an oral fluid specimen. 

The court heard that at this point Mr Siwek ran inside the property at Stonewood, locked the door and refused to come out.

Defence solicitor Colette McCarthy said that while her client had “a different recollection” over some of the details, he accepted the two charges and was pleading guilty. 

She told the court that Mr Siwek was annoyed at the alleged inference the car was not taxed. She said that he was insured and taxed at the time of the incident and he worked full-time in a local factory in Clonakilty. 

She added that he “did come out of the house eventually”.

Judge Treasa Kelly said that it was very important to be co-operative and respectful to the gardaí. 

She said that given the circumstances the appropriate sentence was 40 hours of community service in lieu of two months imprisonment. Legal aid was granted.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.