Cork motorist admitted to gardaí he had been drinking, court told

A motorist who was involved in a single-vehicle road traffic accident in Clonakilty admitted to gardaí who attended the scene that he had been drinking, the district court has heard.

Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Clonakilty District Court that gardaí attended the incident on the Clonakilty bypass at 12.04am on February 19. The driver of the only car involved was Geoffrey Shoemaker, aged 31, of Convent Rd, Clonakilty, Co Cork.

Shoemaker admitted to gardaí at the scene that he had been drinking and he was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. He was taken to Clonakilty Garda Station where a breath test indicated a breath alcohol reading of 83mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath where the legal limit is 22mg.

Defence solicitor Conrad Murphy said Shoemaker had no previous convictions, there was no other vehicle involved, and no passengers at the time of the accident. He said Shoemaker had made full admissions and was fully co-operative.

The court heard that Shoemaker had issues with alcohol “for some time” and had entered into treatment within four weeks of the accident in Clonakilty. Mr Murphy said that prior to the accident Shoemaker had been sober for five years but had “fallen off wagon”.

Judge Joanne Carroll said she noted Shoemaker had no previous convictions and recognised a disqualification would have a significant impact on his life. She said: “It’s a very unfortunate matter. He recognises he has a problem with alcohol but he broke out and unfortunately drove the vehicle.”

Shoemaker was disqualified from driving for three years.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.