A Dublin barrister, Sean Deegan of Ushers Quay, Dublin, pleaded guilty to drink and dangerous driving at Craughwell, Co Galway, last August 15th at Athenry District Court this week.
The court heard that a sample he gave after his arrest turned out to be "a white substance other than urine" so the prosecution could offer no alcohol level evidence.
Insp Tony O'Donnell said after Deegan left a bar in Craughwell a motorist saw him swerving across the road and followed him. Deegan drove on the hard shoulder on the wrong side of the road facing oncoming traffic. He careered into a wall and reversed back across the main road.
The court was told Deegan had been given the Probation Act when charged with criminal damage in the Dublin District Court in 1995, and he had a conviction for a public order offence.
Judge O'Dea said Deegan could have killed half the countryside. He imposed a two-year driving ban and a £200 fine for dangerous driving and a £300 fine for drink driving.