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. 0635Dangerous driving, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, refusing to provide a blood specimen · Co. Kildare

Heavily intoxicated HGV driver arrested after dangerous driving on M7 in Kildare

A heavily intoxicated HGV driver was arrested in Kildare in early July 2026 after being observed driving dangerously on the M7, following numerous reports from concerned motorists. A bottle of Absolut Vodka was found stashed in the vehicle. The driver refused to provide a breath specimen at Naas Garda Station and was charged with refusing to provide a blood specimen and three counts of dangerous driving. The HGV was seized under Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act, and the driver is due to appear before the courts in the coming weeks.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Charged9 Jul
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A heavily intoxicated HGV driver was observed driving dangerously on the M7 in Kildare.
When
The incident occurred in the week of 9 July 2026.
Cause
A bottle of Absolut Vodka was found stashed in the vehicle.
Investigation
  • Kildare Roads Policing Unit officers received numerous reports from concerned motorists about the HGV.
  • The driver refused to provide a breath specimen at Naas Garda Station.
Charges
  • The driver was arrested for Dangerous Driving and Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicant.
  • The driver was charged with Refusing to Provide a Blood Specimen and three counts of Dangerous Driving.
In court
  • The HGV was seized under Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act, and the registered owner must apply to the Court for its return.
  • The driver is due to appear before the courts in the coming weeks.
Sentence
Refusing to provide a specimen carries a fine of up to €5,000, up to six months' imprisonment, and a mandatory four-year driving disqualification upon conviction.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA bottle of Absolut Vodka was stashed in the vehicle. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe HGV was observed being driven dangerously on the M7. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationOfficers received numerous reports from concerned motorists about the HGV. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationThe driver refused to provide a breath specimen at Naas Garda Station. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationThe HGV was seized under Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeThe driver was arrested for Dangerous Driving and Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicant. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeThe driver was charged with Refusing to Provide a Blood Specimen and three counts of Dangerous Driving. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe driver is due to appear before the courts in the coming weeks. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceRefusing to provide a specimen carries a fine of up to €5,000, up to six months' imprisonment, and a mandatory four-year driving disqualification upon conviction. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 9 Jul2026
    Chargedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Concerned motorists help gardai catch 'heavily intoxicated' HGV driver

    First report of the arrest and charges; a bottle of Absolut Vodka was found stashed in the vehicle; the HGV was seized and the registered owner must apply to the Court for its return.

    suspect