Garda expresses surprise Co Kildare man managed to drive when he couldn't keep eyes open

A Garda gave evidence in Naas court today that she does not know how a man charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol got as far as he did.

The court heard how on October 17, 2014, the accused, a 37- year-old man residing in Co Kildare,  could not even keep his eyes open.

Garda Jennifer Barry said: "His eyes were closed, he could not hold his eyes open.I had to ask him questions twice, I could not understand him."

In Newbridge Garda Station, the accused opted for to give a urine sample when given the choice of blood sample or urine.

The urine results on December 17, 2014, revealed that there was no alcohol, but that there was benzodiazepines.

Garda David Marshall outlined how the accused was 'slumped' at the station.

The Garda said: "He looked like he could fall asleep, I doubt he would have been capable of driving."

Defence Solicitor, Eoin O'Connor, said that his client started work that morning at 9.30am and had worked until 3.30pm, in Co Monaghan.

The accused gave evidence that he is a 'recovering addict' who had been prescribed methadone.

He told the court that he had taken 30ml of drugs that morning.

Supt Martin Walker said: "There is a warning with methadone that you should not be operating machinery or driving a car."

The accused said: "I was in a position to drive."

Judge John Coughlan disqualified the accused from driving for four years.

The court heard that the accused is currently unemployed. Judge Coughlan ordered that he pay a €10 fine, he also paid €350 to the methadone treatment programme.

He was ordered to pay €100 if he wished to appeal.