Monday, July 11, 2011

Priest prangs his car while drunk ... but keeps licence

A priest who crashed his car while four times over the drink drive limit has been fined just £300 and will keep his licence. 

The ruling at Londonderry magistrates' court coincided with the launch of the PSNI's summer anti-drink drive campaign.

Fr Edward McGuinness, from Irish Green Street in Limavady, pleaded guilty to "being in charge of a vehicle when unfit through drink or drugs".

The court heard that the 56-year-old hit a roundabout and came to a stop against the gates of the Donegal Prime Fish depot on Skeoge Road in Derry on April 6.

A prosecution solicitor told District Judge Barney McElholm that after his arrest Fr McGuinness was breathalysed and had a reading of 144 milligrams. The legal limit is 35 milligrams.

A defence barrister told the court that Fr McGuinness had a previously clear record and he described the incident as very unfortunate. 

The judge fined him £300 and 10 penalty points were endorsed on his licence.

A PSNI spokesman said it could not comment on sentencing by the courts.

But on Thursday Superintendent Muir Clark, head of road policing, launched the police's summer anti-drink drive operation.

"During 2010, drivers and riders who were impaired by alcohol caused 72 serious collisions," the superintendent said.

He added: "It is absolutely unacceptable that there is a minority of people in Northern Ireland who still insist on driving after having taken drink or drugs."
 
Factfile

Fr McGuinness was initially charged with the more serious charge of driving while unfit due to excess alcohol.

Disqualification is obligatory for this charge. 

However, disqualification for the charge he actually pleaded guilty to, being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink, is up to the discretion of the judge.