A woman who refused to undergo a drink-driving test because she claimed her dignity was compromised has been banned from driving for two years.
Majella Meehan (42), Beechgrove Lawns, Monaghan, was prosecuted for failing to provide a blood or urine specimen. She was also fined €200.
At a previous hearing she had claimed that her dignity was compromised in being requested to give a urine sample at what she described as a "primitive-type hole-in-the-ground toilet facility" in a Garda station cell.
Judge Flann Brennan had adjourned his decision on the legal submissions made.
Yesterday he ruled that he was accepting the submissions by Garda Supt Thomas Long, prosecuting, that Meehan was aware of her legal obligation to provide the specimen.
Meehan had pleaded not guilty and claimed at a previous hearing that she was unable to comply with the requirement because of the nature of the toilet facility offered at Castleblayney station.
She claimed she had opted to use another toilet, but it was not available.
The accused told a previous sitting of the court it would have been "difficult" to balance herself without a sit-down toilet, while at the same time hold a jug, to provide the specimen required.
Defence counsel John Martin had submitted that the evidence from the prosecution indicated it had not been explained to Meehan that the specimen was mandatory.
Meehan had not been advised of her legal obligations, or sufficiently warned by gardaí of the consequences if she failed to provide it.
Supt Long had insisted there was no question of Meehan being compromised. There was an obligation on anyone arrested to comply with the law.
Mr Martin argued that Meehan had indicated to the court that if she had been warned of the consequences, she would have given the specimen.