A tractor driver was arrested in Co. Donegal over the course of the weekend after being stopped at a checkpoint.
Gardaí discovered that the driver was under the influence of cannabis and drugs whilst behind the wheel.
In a brief statement, a spokesperson for Garda Síochána Donegal said:
“Gardaí from Ballyshannon Garda Station stopped the driver of an agricultural tractor on Saturday night at a checkpoint.”
“The driver was found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected cannabis herb and also tested positive for the presence of cannabis and cocaine.”
“Please do not drive while under the influence of drugs/alcohol. You really are playing roulette with your own life and the lives of others if you make the poor decision to do so.”
In a statement to That’s Farming, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said:
“An Garda Síochána conducting a checkpoint in Ballyshannon on Saturday February 13, 2021 stopped a vehicle shortly before 10pm.“
“One male was arrested in connection with the detection of a small quantity of cannabis herb. The male was released without charge and a file will be prepared for the DPP.“
Tractor driver caught drink driving with empty vodka bottle
Meanwhile, last month, a farmer, who was found driving a tractor, with an empty vodka bottle, whilst twice over the legal limit, has been handed a three-year disqualification for his drink driving offence, according to Armaghi.
The 54-year-old had a plea of guilty entered on his behalf to driving with excess alcohol at Armagh Magistrates’ at Newry on Tuesday, January 26th, 2021.
The court heard that the PSNI received a report of a male suspected of being under the influence of alcohol driving a tractor near Tannyoky Road, Poyntzpass.
Police responded to the report and found the farmer behind the wheel of the tractor with an empty bottle of vodka. McCartney failed a preliminary breath test and was later arrested.
According to the publication, whilst the farmer was at Banbridge Custody Suite, an evidential breath sample delivered a failed reading. Afterwards, a subsequent sample of blood was taken and gave a reading of 217mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.
The court heard that George McCartney of Kilrea Hill, had one previous drink drinking offence dating back to 2017.
Defence solicitor, Ruari Gillen, said: “He was out working; he stopped off to buy a bottle of vodka and he had essentially consumed it by the time he was stopped.”
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said: “I have taken into account what has been said, however, this man was almost three-times the legal limit and has a previous excess alcohol within the last three years.”
