Former Tyrone footballer Owen Mulligan cited a rib injury as the reason he would not give a breath sample after he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving in August of last year.
Speaking at a hearing in Kerry this week, Mulligan revealed he had suffered four broken ribs in a match and was therefore unable to co-operate with a breatheliser examination. He also said he didn't know the local GP nor did he believe that he was a medic when asked to give the sample at a Garda station in Listowel (via Mid Ulster Mail):
I attempted to blow but it was too much. No disrespect to the doctor, but it was half three. He was a bit unstable on his feet as well. I didn’t think he was a doctor.
A Garda witness told the court that Mulligan was 'rude, abusive and aggressive' towards the Doctor and did not disclose his injury as a reason for refusal at the time of the arrest.
I got a strong smell of intoxicating liquor. His speech was slurred. He said he was at a wedding and had a drink at the wedding. I asked him to step out of the car and when he did so he was unsteady on his feet
The All-Ireland winning Tyrone man however insisted:
I distinctly remember saying it
Judge James O’Connor adjourned the hearing to November 5 to study submissions, custody records and medical evidence handed in to court.
[MidUlsterMail]
