Motorist facing possible €36,000 bill, Portlaoise court hears

A motorist is facing a potential €36,000 bill for speeding in the midlands. 

It comes as Portlaoise District Court Judge Andrew Cody announced he would charge speeding motorists €500 for every kilometre over 170kph and €1,000 for every kilometre over 180kph. 

Judge Andrew Cody made the comments while hearing a speeding case involving a motorist who was allegedly driving at 177kph in a 120kph zone on the motorway in Laois. 

Natalie Hennessey, 19, of Ballinstona North, Killmallock, Co Limerick appeared in court on a summons for dangerous driving on the M7 at Ballydavis in Laois on August 20 last. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher asked Judge Andrew Cody if he would consider reducing the case to a lesser one of careless driving, or Section 52. He said he believed the weather conditions were good on the day. 

Sgt JJ Kirby said he would “very, very reluctantly accept a Section 52.”

Judge Cody said he will consider it “if she has €3,500 for the poor box.”  Otherwise he said she could face a three year disqualification.  He put the case back to March 23 to give the driver time to gather the sum. 

Judge Cody told the court he believed there was a motorist due before him in the district for driving at 211kph. If he applies the same rules they may end up with a bill of €36,000.