Ireland Daingean woman sentenced for drink-driving and two hit-and-run offences
Lesley Hayes, 64, was found in her Nissan Qashqai at Killeshal, Daingean, at 10.08pm on 16 November 2025 after the vehicle struck a BMW X5 driven by Jack Pilkington at Canal View, Daingean, and then a Volkswagen Polo. Her blood alcohol concentration was 225 milligrams per 100 millilitres, and she had previous drink-driving convictions from 2007 and 2025. She was arrested and brought to Tullamore Garda Station. At Tullamore District Court in November 2026, Judge Andrew Cody imposed a suspended four-month prison sentence for drink-driving, two further suspended two-month sentences for the hit-and-run offences, and a five-year driving disqualification.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrested
- Charged
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced11 Nov
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Lesley Hayes, 64, drove a Nissan Qashqai that struck a BMW X5 and then a Volkswagen Polo.
- Where
- The BMW X5 collision occurred at Canal View, Daingean, and the vehicle was found at Killeshal, Daingean.
- When
- The collision occurred at 10.08pm on 16 November 2025.
- Cause
- Her blood alcohol concentration was 225 milligrams per 100 millilitres.
- Investigation
- Ms Hayes was arrested and brought to Tullamore Garda Station.
- Charges
- She was charged with drink-driving and two hit-and-run offences.
- In court
- The case was heard at Tullamore District Court before Judge Andrew Cody.
- Sentence
- A suspended four-month prison sentence and a five-year driving disqualification were imposed for drink-driving.
- Two further suspended two-month sentences, one consecutive, were imposed for the hit-and-run offences.
- Other details
- Ms Hayes had previous drink-driving convictions from 2007 and 2025.
- The BMW X5 was driven by Jack Pilkington.
- Damages arising from the incidents had been settled.
20 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA Qashqai collided with Jack Pilkington's vehicle, drove off, and then collided with a second vehicle. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatThe other hit-and-run offence involved a Volkswagen Polo. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whereMs Hayes was found in the driver's seat at Killeshal, Daingean. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whereOne hit-and-run offence occurred at Canal View, Daingean and involved a BMW X5. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whenThe collision occurred at 10.08pm on 16 November 2025. (offalyexpress.ie)
- investigationMs Hayes was arrested and brought to Tullamore Garda Station. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceFor drink-driving, a suspended sentence of four months in prison with a five-year disqualification was imposed. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceA two-month suspended sentence was imposed for one hit-and-run offence. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceA further two-month consecutive sentence, suspended on condition of good behaviour for two years, was imposed for the other hit-and-run offence. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceThe judge warned that if she gets near the wheel in the next two years she will get six months in prison. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThere was a smell of intoxicating liquor from the woman. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHer blood alcohol concentration was 225 milligrams per 100 millilitres. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherMs Hayes had previous drink-driving convictions from 2007 and 2025. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe damages issue had been settled before the court. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherMs Hayes was a mother of six living in a rural area. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherOne of her children had a disability and she was a carer for that child. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherMs Hayes had attended for counselling and was not eating or sleeping. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe judge refused to read a character reference from a public house owner, calling it an insult. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe reference letter was from a pub where her son worked. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe judge described her as being on the verge of being comatose drunk while driving. (offalyexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 11 Nov2026Offaly driver who hit two cars had 'astronomical' blood alcohol level
Sentencing report at Tullamore District Court detailing the two collisions, the defendant's blood alcohol level, prior drink-driving convictions, and the suspended sentences imposed.
accused, Lesley Hayes, 64, female, namedLesley Hayesvictim, Jack Pilkington, maleJack Pilkingtonvictim, Majella Quinn, femaleMajella Quinnother, Judge Andrew Cody, maleJudge Andrew Codyother, Sergeant Brendan Kearns, maleSergeant Brendan Kearnsother, Aisling Maloney, femaleAisling Maloney
This page is put together automatically from the reports listed above. A charge is not a conviction. If something here is wrong or out of date, report it.