Two men receive driving bans and fines after drink and drug‑driving convictions in Limerick

Judge Patricia Harney imposed driving bans and fines on two men convicted of drink‑driving and drug‑driving in Limerick District Court this week.

Jan Lenting, 38, of Tyone, Nenagh, County Tipperary, pleaded guilty to drink‑driving after Gardaí stopped his car on Lifford Avenue, Limerick, on 6 September. Officers detected cans of alcohol, a strong smell of alcohol and observed Lenting driving over the legal limit. He received a three‑year driving ban and a €500 fine, payable within four months.

Tamas Harkai, 41, of Cratloe Student Village, Caherdavin, Limerick, was convicted of drug‑driving and possession of a small amount of cannabis after Gardaí stopped his vehicle on Merchant’s Quay on 19 July 2025. Police noted erratic driving, a cannabis odour and glassy eyes; a blood sample tested positive for cannabis and €100 worth of the drug was found. Harkai pleaded guilty, was fined €500 (payable within three months), and received a one‑year driving ban deferred to 1 November. The possession charge was withdrawn, taking into account his lack of prior convictions and a €300 contribution to the court poor box.

The court highlighted the legal limits for alcohol and the penalties for first‑time drink‑ or drug‑driving offences, which can include fines, road bans and, in some cases, imprisonment.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Bearded Texan Travels / Pexels.