Jail for motorist who was under influence of intoxicant, disqualified and on release from prison

                    A mother of five caught driving in Carrick-on-Suir while under the influence of an intoxicant while on temporary release from prison and banned from driving for 20 years, was sentenced to four months imprisonment at Carrick-on-Suir District Court's latest sitting. 

The jail sentence along with a 10 year driving licence disqualification were imposed on Mary Ryan of No. 17 Sharwood Estate, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, who pleaded guilty at the court to driving under the influence of an intoxicant at De Valera, Place, Carrick-on-Suir. 

Gda. John Downey said Gda. Sean Cuddy noticed Ryan driving a car at this location at 9pm on August 24 last year.

 He followed the car and when he stopped it, he noticed Ryan's eyes were glazed and she staggered when she got out of the car.  

The court heard that Ryan had 119 previous convictions, 11 of which were for driving while disqualified. She was disqualified from driving for 20 years. 

Defence solicitor Aidan Leahy said his client had a "very chequered" past and was recently released from prison after serving a 10 month jail term imposed last November for theft. 

Her five children aged between 15 and 2 lived with her husband and she was anxious not to receive a custodial sentence as she wanted to return to her children. 

He pointed out that Ryan committed this driving offence around the same time she committed a number of offences for which she received the 10 month sentence in November. 

Judge King, however, said he must impose a custodial sentence in this case citing the fact Ryan was on temporary release from prison, under a 20 year disqualification and her record of 119 previous convictions as reasons. 

He backdated the commencement of the four months sentence to September 3, the date she was placed in custody and fixed recognisance in the event of appeal.