The skipper of the Arranmore Ferry has been fined €350 and disqualified from driving for two years for drink-driving.
Letterkenny court.
James Bonner, 62, appeared at Letterkenny District Court yesterday to face the charge which relates to an incident on October 20th 2012.
Gardai told the court they stopped a car at Tully Mountain, Ballyare, outside Letterkenny at around 9.10pm.
Officers said they suspected the man who was driving the BMW car had consumed alcohol and asked him to undertake a breath test which he failed.
Solicitor for Mr Bonner, Gerard Doyle told the court that his client was a very well-known local character who was involved in maritime activities and was involved in many local rescue missions.
“He has brought nothing but positivity to the area,” added Mr Doyle.
He said he suffered from a hiatus hernia and that he had suffered from reflux which may or may not have affected the breath test on the evening.
Mr Bonner had worked on the ferry for 12 years and no had no previous convictions for any offence.
Mr Doyle said the accused did not live in Burtonport and from where the ferry sailed and needed his car to get to work.
He asked for a postponement of the mandatory disqualification until after the summer season.
Judge Paul Kelly fined Mr Bonner €350 and disqualified him from driving for two years but deferred the ban until October 7th.