Drink-driver almost crashed into Garda car, Cork court told

A Garda patrol car had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with a drink-driver that was driving towards it, a recent sitting of Macroom District Court was told.

Sergeant Trish O’Sullivan said a Garda patrol car was in the Cooldaniel area near Macroom, Co Cork, on April 4, 2025.

At 6.20pm, another vehicle was spotted driving towards the patrol car in an erratic manner on the wrong side of the road.

The patrol car had to take evasive action to avoid an impact, and the suspect vehicle was pulled over a short time later.

The driver of the car — identified as Andrzei Sobala, aged 35, of The Apartments, Moneycusker, Macroom — got out of the vehicle but had to be assisted to stand up.

Arrested

Gardaí formed the opinion Sobala who was slurring his words and unsteady on his feet, was intoxicated, and he was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

Sobala was taken to Macroom Garda Station where a breathalyser test recorded a breath alcohol level of 132mg per 100ml where the legal limit is 50mg. The court was told Sobala had eight previous convictions, including three for drink driving.

Defence solicitor Seán Cahill said Sobala had alcohol issues but was on notice from his employer, who also provided his accommodation that he would lose his job and home if he drinks again.

The court was told Sobala had been off alcohol for five weeks.

Judge Joanne Carroll said Sobala needed to address his alcohol issue and warned him if he drinks and drives again he will be going to prison.

For drink-driving, Sobala was convicted and disqualified from driving for six years. He was also given a four-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. An additional charge of careless driving was struck out.

• This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme