Donegal driver arrested after crashing car while eight times over drink-driving limit

Stephen Maguire

A novice driver who was more than eight times over the drink-driving limit was arrested on Wednesday morning following a crash in Co Donegal.

The driver was arrested after his car left the road at Churchill and ended up in a ditch.

Gardaí from the Letterkenny Roads Policing Unit were quick on the scene and arrested the driver.

A Garda spokesperson said "The novice driver of the car was found to be approximately eight and a half times over the legal limit.

"They were arrested on suspicion of drink driving by Letterkenny Roads Policing Unit.

"They were then charged to appear in court. Amazingly and very thankfully neither they nor their passenger sustained injuries."

Local gardaí have issued a warning that high visibility patrols, speed checks and checkpoints will be conducted over the bank holiday weekend across Donegal.

It follows the arrest of twelve drivers in the past week across Donegal for driving under the influence of alcohol and also drugs.

The spokesperson added "Our priority is to keep people safe so please make responsible decisions this weekend and always in relation to road safety.

"Help save lives by driving in a safe and a responsible manner."