Colm Keaveney charged with drug driving in Ireland

The court case against former Labour TD Colm Keaveney, who is charged with drug driving, continues to be postponed. Mr. Keaveney, 54, is accused of driving with cocaine in his system. He was arrested in Tuam, County Galway, on June 12, 2023. In a recent court session, a member of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety provided evidence regarding Mr. Keaveney's blood sample. Olivia Johnson testified that she was involved in the analysis of the sample collected after his arrest. She confirmed that the sample arrived at the Bureau in a sealed container. Johnson explained that when the sample was first tested on June 16, 2023, it contained no alcohol. The blood sample was then scheduled for further testing for drugs. She noted that this process follows standard procedures at the Bureau. Mr. Keaveney’s defense claims there was a three-month delay before the drug tests were conducted. They argue the sample was not kept sealed during this time. However, Johnson stated that the sample bottle was stored in a locked fridge within a secured laboratory. The case has been adjourned for the ninth time. It will resume on May 10 at the Tuam District Court, where a hearing date will be set.