Saturday 31 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. 20594Failure to comply with gardaí (breath sample); dangerous or careless driving related offence · Co. Tipperary · 30 Jul 2022

Four-year driving ban for Killenaule man who obstructed gardaí after crash

On 30 July 2022, gardaí received a report of a single-car collision in Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary, and found a Toyota Avensis overturned with no driver present. Gardaí said they smelled alcohol on Michael Cleary, 48, of Killenaule, who was cautioned and arrested, and he later refused to give a breath sample at Thurles Garda Station. Michael Cleary was convicted at Thurles District Court of failing to comply with gardaí, after the judge refused a defence submission to dismiss the case. On 23 June 2023, the court gave him a four-year driving ban and a €400 fine, which is the latest development reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced23 Jun
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Gardaí found a Toyota Avensis turned over on its side with no driver.
Where
Gardaí received a report of a single-car collision in Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary.
When
  • The offence took place on 30 July 2022.
  • The sentencing was reported by Tipperary Live on 23 June 2023.
Investigation
Gardaí smelled alcohol on Michael Cleary, cautioned him and arrested him.
Other details
  • Michael Cleary, 48, of Killenaule, refused to give a breath sample at Thurles Garda Station.
  • Michael Cleary said he had been drinking while waiting for a potential buyer for the car.
Charges
  • Michael Cleary was convicted of failing to comply with gardaí while they attempted to collect a breath sample.
  • The offence is recorded as a dangerous or careless driving related offence.
In court
  • The case was heard at Thurles District Court.
  • The judge refused the defence submission to dismiss the case.
Sentence
Michael Cleary was banned from driving for four years and fined €400.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí found a Toyota Avensis turned over on its side with no driver. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whereGardaí received a report of a single-car collision in Gortnahoe. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on July 30, 2022. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • investigationGardaí smelled alcohol on the defendant and cautioned and arrested him. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • courtThe judge refused the defence submission to dismiss the case. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • sentenceThe defendant was banned from driving for four years and fined €400. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherMichael Cleary was convicted for failing to comply with gardaí while they attempted to collect a breath sample. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherThe defendant refused to give a breath sample at Thurles Garda Station. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherThe defendant said he had been drinking while waiting for a potential buyer for the car. (tipperarylive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 23 Jun2023
    Sentencedtipperarylive.ie, first report
    Four-year driving ban given to man who obstructed gardaí after crashing his car

    Court report on the sentencing of Michael Cleary; the article gives the offence date as July 30, 2022, and says the crash was in Gortnahoe.

    convicted, Michael Cleary, 48, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Cleary