A Waterford man detected with a high level of alcohol in his system while driving, was recently handed a lengthy disqualification.
Mark Rogers (57) of 26 The Drive, Collins Avenue, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a sitting of Waterford District Court this month, where he pleaded guilty to drink driving, contrary to Section 4 (4) of the Road Traffic Act, 2010.
Sergeant John Phelan outlined to the court that on 27 September, 2025, Gardaí were conducting a checkpoint near Ballinamona on the Old Tramore Road, Waterford, when they stopped the accused. The Sergeant added that the accused was arrested after he failed a roadside breath test, and further testing at Waterford Garda Station gave a reading of 77 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham acknowledged that the reading of the accused’s breath was in the three year disqualification category, and asked Judge Staunton if this could be postponed to September due to familial issues.
Judge Staunton said that the accused appeared to be of “good character” but “made an error of judgement.”
The Judge added that on the basis the accused pleaded guilty, was co-operative and has no previous convictions, he would impose a three-year driving disqualification effective from 1 September, 2026. There was no fine imposed.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
