Hotel manager ran red light and crashed into parked car after drinking bottle of wine
Jennifer Ryan of Butterfield, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to drink-driving at Butterfield Park on February 10, 2024.
A 55-year-old hotel manager who was observed running a red light and colliding with a parked car after drinking a bottle of wine has been banned from driving for three years and ordered to complete a restorative justice programme.
Jennifer Ryan of Butterfield, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to drink-driving at Butterfield Park on February 10, 2024.
Garda Ciarán Kelly told the court that at around 8.45pm, his attention was drawn to a car stopped at the top of a queue of traffic lights on Butterfield Avenue. The vehicle had reversed slightly towards the car behind.
Stock image: Getty
Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 14 2025
When gardaí pulled alongside, he said the driver slowly proceeded through a red light and did not stop when directed. The court heard the driver turned onto Butterfield Park and collided with a parked car, causing damage to both vehicles.
Garda Kelly approached the driver's side and instructed the woman to turn off the engine. He noted a strong smell of alcohol and slurred speech from the driver. The court heard that a urine sample later returned a reading of 347 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine, well over the legal limit.
The court heard that Ryan had no previous convictions.
Her defence counsel, Lauren Flanagan BL, said that Ryan was 'desperately sorry' and had been under significant emotional strain at the time.
She told the court that her client had consumed a full bottle of wine in one sitting and had since voluntarily given up driving, prompting Judge John O'Leary to ask: 'Would it not be easier for her to give up alcohol than driving?'
Ms Flanagan said her client accepted she had an issue with alcohol and was actively engaging with support services. She said Ryan is currently receiving treatment through St John of God's addiction programme.
Judge O'Leary convicted the defendant, imposed a €400 fine with six months to pay and disqualified her from driving for three years. He also ordered that she complete a restorative justice programme under the supervision of the Probation Service, and adjourned the case to September 5 next for a progress review.
If the fine is paid and the restorative justice programme is completed, the court indicated no further penalty will be imposed.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
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