Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 5096Drink driving · Co. Clare · 3 Dec 2023

Clare man contests drink-driving charge, citing sleep disorder defence

Jack Sheehan, 27, is contesting a drink-driving charge at Kilrush District Court, arguing he was in a sleep disorder episode when he drove his car into a ditch near Doonbeg. A sleep disorder expert gave evidence, and the case was adjourned to December 17th.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court17 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatSheehan was twice over the legal alcohol limit for driving. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereHis car crashed near the west Clare village of Doonbeg. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe car veered off the road into a ditch outside Doonbeg. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe crash happened at around 2.30am on December 3rd last. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeDefence expert Dr John Garvey gave evidence that Sheehan drove as a result of a NREM parasomnia. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGarda Morgan arrested Sheehan on suspicion of drink driving. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeSheehan is contesting the drink driving charge. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge said there were a number of inconsistencies in Sheehan's evidence. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge wanted a digital audio recording of Dr Garvey's evidence. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to December 17th. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherSheehan's solicitor advanced a sleepwalking defence. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherSheehan was tested and found to be over the limit at 68 grams per 100 ml of alcohol. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 Sep2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Man in drink-driving car crash was undergoing sleep disorder episode, expert tells court

    First report of the court hearing: expert evidence on a NREM parasomnia (sleepwalking) defence, a garda account of the arrest, and adjournment to December 17th.

    accused, Jack Sheehan, 27, male, named, irish (judged from name)Jack Sheehan