Woman thought Kildare garda car pursuing her was going to a different incident

Naas Courthouseplaceholder image
Naas Courthouse

The lights and siren were switched on but the vehicle failed to stop

A woman thought a pursuing garda car which had the blue lights and siren activated was headed for an incident which had nothing to do with her.

Before Naas District Court was Jean Devereaux, 63, whose address was given as The Moy, Summerhill, County Meath, was prosecuted for dangerous driving on January 18 at Boycetown, Kilcock.

Garda Andrew Kelly told of driving a marked patrol car when the car in front crossed the white line and was being driven with “poor lane discipline.”

The lights and siren were switched on but the vehicle failed to stop.

At one stage, the garda added, a van had to take evasive action.

He described the case as "particularly unusual” adding that the defendant had no drugs or alcohol in her system.

The garda also said that the defendant was not speeding and when stopped she was somewhat confused.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said the woman did not think she was the subject of the garda interest and “thought she was going to see them apprehend someone else.”

He added that the defendant was on her way home and he also said she had no penalty points.

The defendant said she was on her way home and did not consider that the garda car behind her had anything to do with her.

Judge Desmond Zaidan imposed a €1,000 fine having reduced the charged to careless driving.

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