Officers in Kildare received numerous reports from concerned motorists
Gardaí found alcohol stashed in the vehicle (Image: Gardaí )
A “heavily intoxicated” HGV driver was arrested by Gardaí in Kildare this week.
Officers attached to the Kildare Roads Policing Unit were on patrol this week when they received numerous reports from concerned motorists about a HGV. Officers sprang into action and intercepted the driver of this HGV after it was observed being driven dangerously on the M7.
The driver was found to be heavily intoxicated and was arrested for Dangerous Driving and Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicant. Gardaí posted a picture of a bottle of Absolut Vodka stashed in the vehicle.
At Naas Garda Station, the driver refused to provide a breath specimen and was subsequently charged with Refusing to Provide a Blood Specimen, along with three counts of Dangerous Driving. The driver is due to appear before the courts in the coming weeks.
The HGV was seized (Image: Gardaí/Kildare )
A Garda spokesperson said: “Refusing to provide a specimen is a serious offence and carries penalties of a fine of up to €5,000, up to six months’ imprisonment, and a mandatory four-year driving disqualification upon conviction.
“The HGV was also seized under Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act. The registered owner must now apply to the Court for its return.
“Driving while intoxicated is never a mistake – it is a deliberate decision that puts innocent road users at risk. Thanks to the vigilance of members of the public who reported this vehicle, Gardaí were able to intervene before lives were lost.
“If you see dangerous or suspected intoxicated driving, report it immediately. Your call could save a life.”
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