Eirgrid CEO Mark Foley Walks Free After Blood Test Ruling
Eirgrid chief executive Mark Foley avoided conviction for drink driving today after a judge ruled a crucial blood test inadmissible in court. Judge Anne Watkins dismissed the charge, stating that the blood sample was not legally obtained.
Foley, 63, faced a single charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, contrary to Section 4(1) and (5) of the Road Traffic Act 2010. The incident occurred on January 13th, 2023, when Garda Kevin Massey approached Foley after he allegedly crashed his car into two parked vehicles.
Garda Massey reported smelling alcohol on Foley’s breath and, following a failed breath test, requested a blood sample at Irishtown Garda station. However, Judge Watkins determined that the request for a blood sample was not conducted properly, denying Foley the option of providing a urine sample.
The judge emphasized that without proper procedure, the garda did not have the legal right to take the blood sample, rendering it inadmissible in court. Consequently, as there was no evidence linking Foley’s driving ability to alcohol consumption, Judge Watkins dismissed the charge.
While Foley admitted hitting the parked cars, Judge Watkins suggested alternative explanations for the incident, such as encountering a fox, child, oil slick, or simply failing to maintain proper lookout.
“We don’t know it was because of alcohol,” Judge Watkins stated.
Foley’s departure from the courthouse was swift, with Eirgrid declining to comment on the matter.
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