Man admits driving at 175kph in Portlaoise

A motorist caught driving at 175kph faces a driving ban unless he donates €2,500 to charity. 

Marin Mihalachi, 28, of 24 St John’s Lawn, Clondalkin, Dublin admitted driving at 175kph in 120kph zone at the M7 Ballydavis, Portlaoise on April 23 last.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the State would be very reluctant to accept a charge of careless driving in place of the dangerous driving which incurs an automatic driving ban. 

Garda Stephen O’Hanlon said on the date in question the traffic volumes were low, visibility was good and it was dry. He said the defendant was driving a small Ford SUV type vehicle. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald asked Judge Andrew Cody to consider reducing the charge. He said his client is a painter and decorator and was pricing a job on a Sunday and had been eager to return home. 

“His licence would be of significant value to him,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

“He accepts that he should have been more careful,” he said. 

As an “expression of contrition”, Mr Fitzgerald said his client had brought €1,000 to court. 

Judge Cody described 175kph as a very significant speed. He said on condition the man paid €2,500 to the Fusion Youth Project in the next six weeks, he would reduce the charge to careless driving and fine him €300. 

He adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on July 13 for finalisation.