Man at 'rock bottom' drank and drove in Wisbech after diagnosis

A court has heard how a 59-year-old was caught drink-driving in Wisbech after his health suddenly went downhill.

Eammon McGonigle’s solicitor said it was one of the saddest cases he had dealt with in many years.

Damian Willatt told Peterborough Magistrates’ Court yesterday: “Frankly, this man before you today really is at rock bottom.”

The court was told how McGonigle, who was in a company van, was driving erratically, crossing the centre white line and almost collided with oncoming traffic, including a bus.

Members of the public managed to get him to stop. Police attended and arrested him after he failed a roadside breath test.

He later blew 97 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

McGonigle, of Jekils Bank, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in Elm High Road, Wisbech, at about 4.30pm on May 24.

Mr Willatt said his client had been working as a heating engineer but his memory and mental wellbeing suddenly dipped about five months ago. The court was told he was waiting for the results of a MRI scan and was braced for bad news.

As a result of his downturn, McGonigle was unable to work and he and his wife quickly found themselves in “substantial debt” and in danger of losing their house which was put on the market.

“The mortgage company’s on their back,” added Mr Willatt, who described his client as a “hardworking, family man” who had gone completely off the rails as a result of his declining mental health.

McGonigle had a couple of drinks and tablets after having to mend a puncture to the van on the day of the offence.

He was disqualified from driving for 26 months, which can be cut with completion of a drink-driver rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge.