Hotel supervisor admits drug driving in Laois

A hotel supervisor stopped driving a BMW with missing lights has admitted driving under the influence of drugs. 

Tori O’Brien (25) of 10 Mountain View, Portlaoise, admitted driving under the influence of drugs on the N77 at Clonaddadoran on October 13, 2024. 

Garda Ross Foy said he observed the 10CN registered BMW with five missing lights driving on the N77. He stopped the car and a search revealed no drugs but the driver failed a roadside drug test.

He said the woman, who has no previous convictions, was taken to the garda station where she gave a sample which later tested positive for drugs. Tests revealed she had no alcohol in her system. 

Andrew Dunne BL said his client works as a supervisor in a local hotel. “She is no longer in possession of the vehicle,” he said. 

Mr Dunne described his client as very apologetic and he asked Judge Catherine Ryan to allow her to postpone any disqualification for a number of months to allow the woman to get her affairs in order. 

Garda Foy said he had no objection. “She was very easy to deal with on the night,” he remarked.

Judge Ryan agreed and said she would postpone the disqualification until April 2, 2026 to allow the woman to get her affairs in order. She fined the woman €500 and disqualified her from driving for a year from April 2026. 

“Hopefully it is a lesson to you going forward,” said Judge Ryan. “It is a lesson well learned,” the woman replied. 

Judge Ryan granted Mr Dunne’s application for legal aid in the case.