Man charged with two separate incidents of drunk driving
A man accused of driving with no licence, no insurance and while over the legal alcohol limit on two occasions this summer is due to appear before Athlone District Court in December.
Thiago de Arruda (41), with addresses in Meadowbrook, Athlone, and Bastion Street, Athlone, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens, where evidence was heard of two alleged drink driving incidents within the town.
The court heard how, on May 20, 2026, shortly before 8pm on Sean Costello Street, Irishtown, Athlone, Gardaí observed a vehicle, and checked the mobility device to learn that the car had no insurance.
The driver, Mr de Arruda, was stopped and a demand was made for his licence. The court heard that he told Gardaí he didn’t have one.
The accused man was cautioned and admitted to having no insurance, the court heard. Gardaí then requested a breath specimen, which resulted in a fail when tested on the roadside.
Mr de Arruda was subsequently arrested and conveyed to Athlone Garda Station, where he met with a doctor and provided a further specimen. Results of the Evidenzer machine came back at 103mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
He was later charged with drunk driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance. However, he failed to appear at a court sitting on June 10 and a bench warrant was issued.
On August 1, 2026, that bench warrant was executed after Mr de Arruda was once again arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
The court heard that Gardaí on mobile patrol of Main Street, Athlone, observed a Peugeot 508 driving erratically and, when the vehicle was checked on the mobility device, it was not insured
The driver, Mr de Arruda, was stopped and Gardaí noticed a strong smell of intoxicating liquor coming from him. When he stepped out of the car, his eyes were glassy and he was stumbling from side to side, unsteady on his feet, the court heard.
A preliminary roadside alcohol check was performed and came back as failed. Gardaí formed the opinion that Mr de Arruda was driving the vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.
At 12.25am, he was arrested and conveyed to Athlone Garda Station. No driver’s licence was produced. A demand was made for a breath sample and Mr de Arruda provided two samples.
The result from the Evidenzer machine was 113mg per 100ml of breath. Mr de Arruda was held due to the active bench warrant. He was again charged with drunk driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.
No application was made for legal aid, but the court heard that one may be made on the next occasion. Mr de Arruda was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on December 9.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.