Sunday 1 November 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. 21416Failing to provide a breath sample (drink-driving) · Co. Donegal · 8 Nov 2022

Pensioner banned from driving for four years after failing to give breath sample in Donegal

On 8 November 2022, James Duffy, a 76-year-old man, was stopped while driving a red Mercedes at Kilcarragh, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, and was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. The court heard that when asked for a breath sample at Milford Garda Station he told the arresting sergeant he was "blowing into nothing". He was charged with failing to give a breath sample under the Road Traffic Act 2010 and appeared at Falcarragh District Court. He was banned from driving for four years and fined €350, as reported on 20 April 2023.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced20 Apr
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
James Duffy, a 76-year-old man, was stopped while driving a red Mercedes.
Where
The stop took place at Kilcarragh, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal.
When
The stop took place on 8 November 2022.
Cause
He was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
Investigation
  • Asked to give a breath sample, he told the arresting sergeant he was "blowing into nothing".
  • He was taken to Milford Garda Station.
Charges
He was charged with failing to give a breath sample under the Road Traffic Act 2010.
In court
He appeared at Falcarragh District Court.
Other details
  • The court heard that at the station he said he would shoot the person who had told gardaí about him.
  • His solicitor said the underlying problem was alcohol, that his client was drunk, and that he was an elderly pensioner with no previous convictions.
  • The sentencing was reported by donegallive.ie on 20 April 2023.
Sentence
He was banned from driving for four years and fined €350.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJames Duffy appeared at Falcarragh District Court after being stopped while driving. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe stop happened at Kilcarragh, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe stop took place on 8 November 2022. (donegallive.ie)
  • causeHe was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. (donegallive.ie)
  • investigationAsked to give a breath sample, he told the arresting sergeant he was blowing into nothing. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with failing to give a breath sample at Milford Garda Station under the Road Traffic Act of 2010. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge banned him from driving for four years and fined him €350. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherAt the station he said he would shoot the person who had told gardaí about him. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said the underlying problem was alcohol and that his client was drunk. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said he was an old aged pensioner with no previous convictions. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Apr2023
    Sentenceddonegallive.ie, first report
    Dunfanaghy pensioner told Gardai he'd shoot whoever reported his drink-driving

    Court report on the sentencing of James Duffy, which gives the sentence (four-year driving ban and €350 fine) and details of his conduct at the garda station.

    convicted, James Duffy, 76, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Duffy