Suspended sentence for man over serious crash in Bundoran

A man has been given a six-month suspended prison sentence and put off the road for six years after his part in a road traffic collision in Bundoran.

James Waldron pleaded guilty to careless driving and to refusing to provide a breath specimen.

Waldon appeared before Judge Ciaran Liddy at Friday's sitting of Ballyshannon District Court.

Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that gardai were called to attend a road traffic collision at West End Bundoran, at 12.10am on August 26, 2023.

The driver of a Skoda Superb recalled to gardai at the scene that he was driving to Bundoran when another vehicle, travelling in the opposite direction, collided with a a grey BMW, which was parked.

The collision propelled the Transit Connect being driven by Waldron across the road causing a head-on collision.

Gardai arrested Waldron, aged 40 and of Lugnagal, Glencar, Sligo, on suspicion of drink-driving. After being conveyed to Ballyshannon Garda Station, he failed to provide a breath sample and was described as being “uncooperative” with gardai.

Inspector Cummins said Waldron has a total of 25 previous convictions and it was noted that this was his fourth drink-drive matter.

Defence solicitor Mr Gerry McGovern said his client has now “changed his life” and is a father of three children.

“He did have difficulties and suffered from depression and mental health difficulties,” Mr McGovern said.

“He overdid it in relation to alcohol. He had a slip and has found himself back where he shouldn't be.”

Judge Ciaran Liddy sentenced Waldron to six months in prison with the entirety of the term suspended for a period of two years on condition that he does not drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place.

Judge Liddy disqualified Waldron from driving for six years.

Waldron was also fined a total of €400.