Judge reiterates pledge on drink driving

Judge John Neilan has again pledged to jail all drink drivers for seven days despite earlier criticism of his plans by the Justice Minister, Michael McDowell.

Following his comments at Mullingar District Court yesterday, this morning at Edenderry District Court Judge Neilan reiterated his promise to start jailing offenders in three weeks’ time.

He told 19-year-old apprentice carpenter, Joseph Malone, with an address at Edenderry, who had been charged with drink driving, to have his bags packed for the December court as he would be remanding him in custody.

Earlier, Minister McDowell described his plans as ‘unlawful’.

The judge spoke at length this morning and said he had no problem with superior courts overturning his decisions, but said that as far as he was concerned he was acting within the law.

Judge Neilan told critics they would be better spending their time visiting the relatives of loved ones killed by drink drivers.