‘Outrageous’ speed on Laois motorway

A taxi driver caught doing an ‘outrageous’ speed on the motorway was fined €50 after he donated €1,000 to St Vincent de Paul. 

John McDonnell, 62, of 40 St John’s Park West, Clondalkin, Dublin was caught driving at 176kmh on the M7 at Ballydavis, a 120kmh zone, on June 13 last. 

Describing the incident as borderline between dangerous and careless driving, Sgt JJ Kirby said the weather conditions were good and the traffic was moderate. 

Judge Michelle Finan said it was an “outrageous” speed but she was willing to accept it as  careless driving. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was admitting the offence. She said the man was separated and has two children. On the date in question, she explained that he was driving back to see his son who was sitting his leaving cert. 

Once he had donated €1,000, Judge Finan said she had no choice but to also fine him. She imposed a €50 fine and gave him 12 months to pay.