Man appeals sentence for causing ‘carnage’ in Laois

A man who “caused carnage” when he crashed his mother’s car and left the scene has appealed a suspended sentence. 

Silviu Junca, 19, of 12 Gandon Close, Fairgreen, Portlaoise caused €19,000 damage when he crashed his mother’s car and fled the scene at Carmody Way, Portlaoise on July 6, 2022. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said although he wasn’t insured an insurance company covered the damage and the other vehicle owner didn’t lose his no claims bonus.

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client is paying the extra premium  €57 a month on his mothers policy since the incident and €200 a month for the damage to her car.

The man, who has no previous convictions, has been offered a place in college, said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

“He has been offered a place in Griffith College to study law where he is going to learn a whole lot more about why he shouldn’t be driving without insurance,” she said. 

“He caused carnage on the night, without a doubt,” she said. 

“He is not a drinker. He is not a smoker. He does not take drugs,” she told Judge Andrew Cody. 

She said the man had lost his job since appearing in court and was working for his father now. He is paying €250 a month following the incident and he is not someone who will trouble the court again, she said.

Judge Cody gave the man a three month sentence which he suspended for three years. He fined the man a total of €1,200 and banned him from driving for two years.

“An insurance company has to pay €19,000 for the damage he caused,” he told Ms Fitzpatrick. 

At her request, he fixed recognisance for an appeal. The man appealed the sentence before the court sitting concluded.