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Writer's picturePatrick Horan

The Case That Changed Irish Drink Driving Law: Our Landmark 2022 Victory


In February 2022, the firm secured a victory that redefined Irish drink driving law. For the first time in Irish legal history, the defences of duress and necessity were successfully used in a drink driving case. Here's how this groundbreaking case unfolded at Galway District Court. Here's a rundown of what happened.



"I'm satisfied that she told the truth," he stated.
"This was a situation where a woman found herself away from her natural environment
with someone she didn't know well."


The Arrest


On a July night in 2020, Garda Sharon Keaveney received reports of a white Audi driving erratically on Salthill Promenade.

Following the vehicle, she watched as it sped toward the Salthill Hotel and into the underground car park, coming to an abrupt stop in a no-parking area.


Inside the car sat Natalie Boland, whom Garda Keaveney would later describe as "effectively hysterical." Too distraught to speak, Natalie could only hand over her license while crying uncontrollably. A breath test would later show she was nearly three times over the legal limit.


The Hidden Truth


What initially appeared to be a straightforward drink driving case revealed a more complex story during the court proceedings.

Natalie had fled her hotel room after being physically assaulted by her boyfriend.

"He pushed me to the ground and dragged me," she testified. "I grabbed my keys and ran."

The evidence showed she had driven only about a kilometre before realising she couldn't continue, turning back toward the hotel just as Gardaí intercepted her.


The Court Battle


In Galway District Court, Natalie’s defence team, led by Patrick Horan instructing Colm Hennessy BL, presented a defence never before successful in Irish drink driving law: duress and necessity.


The courtroom exchanges revealed the full story:


"What was your state of mind in the car?" Mr. Hennessy asked.

"Full of fear," Natalie replied. "I needed to get out of there, otherwise I'd have got a hiding."


When Inspector John Malone challenged why she hadn't called 999, Natalie's answer was direct: "I honestly never thought of it. I was in fear. I just wanted to get out of there."


The Breakthrough Ruling


Judge John Brennan's decision marked a turning point in Irish legal history.

"I'm satisfied that she told the truth," he stated. "This was a situation where a woman found herself away from her natural environment with someone she didn't know well."


Crucially, the judge noted that Natalie had driven only a short distance before turning back.

"If she was halfway up the M4 motorway," he observed, "the defence would not be open to her. But here, it is a complete defence."


Legal Impact


This case established vital precedents for future drink driving defences:


  • Immediate danger can justify otherwise illegal actions

  • The response must be proportionate

  • The defendant's state of mind is crucial

  • Once raised, the prosecution must disprove duress


Most importantly, it showed that Irish courts recognise that extreme circumstances can force people into very difficult choices.


Why This Case Matters


Every drink driving case has its own story.

Natalie Boland's case proved that sometimes, what appears to be a clear violation of the law requires deeper examination.


It demonstrated why having experienced legal representation matters - because there can be more to the story than just a breath test reading.


While each case is unique, this precedent shows that courts will consider genuine duress and necessity when properly presented and where the evidence supports it.


The case also reaffirmed one golden rule: your licence took a lot of hard work to get. It's worth fighting for.



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