Irish Judge Stops Drink Drive Trial For Urine Steam Inhalation
JUDGE James O’Connor’s is presiding at Killorglin District Court in Kerry, Ireland.
Judge O’Connor hears defence submissions that inhalation of urine fumes could have affected breath-test results.
Solicitor Mr O’Connell argues that during the 20-minute period when the defendant must be observed by a garda at the police station before his breath sample is taken – and forbidden from eating or drinking anything – both his clients had used a toilet to urinate.
The two men urinated with their backs to the garda, meaning that the 20-minute observation period had been interrupted.
One wonders how they could have urinated facing the garda and if doing so would have result in further allegations of lawbreaking? Discuss.
The solicitor put to the Judge the argument that a new 20-minute observation period should have begun when his clients returned from the toilet.
Says Judge O’Connor:
“Nil by mouth is the same as nil by nose. When he is urinating, he is inhaling vapourised alcohol and there’s always steam off it.”
Says Assistant Garda Commissioner Eddie Rock, who is in charge of the Garda Traffic Corps:
“I don’t think it is appropriate for me to say anymore about it at this stage.”
Can you snort alcohol? And, if so, might it be prudent, given the current economic scene and the ensuing party season, to befriend a foul-smelling drunk and get your thrills on the cheap?
Old Mr Anorak is for hire.
Posted: 2nd, December 2008 | In: Key Posts, Strange But True Comments (5) | TrackBack | Permalink
