Four year ban for man who refused to give blood sample after crash

A man who refused to give a blood or urine sample to test for alcohol has been banned from driving for four years.

Alin Sorsecu, 41, was living at Drymenagh, Lough Eske, Donegal Town at the time of the offence. He pleaded guilty to refusing to give a sample at Ballyshannon Garda Station on December 5, 2022.

At Monday's sitting of Donegal District Court, Inspector Pat Harney said the defendant was involved in a single vehicle collision shortly before 2am. He refused to give a breath sample and was brought to Ballyshannon Garda Station where a nurse was present to take a blood sample.

“He said he would wait three hours to decide and also said once he got a cigarette, he would comply,” said Inspector Harney. 

The defendant did not comply.

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Gerry McGovern said his client was working in Waterford and had turned up in court on every occasion. 

Judge Sandra Murphy acknowledged that the defendant had no previous convictions. She imposed a fine of €250 and a disqualification from holding a licence for four years.