Plea to careless driving in Laois

A guilty plea was entered on behalf of a man accused of careless driving causing serious bodily harm in Laois. 

Conor Carroll, 27, with an address at Garryhinch Cross, Portarlington, Co Offaly is accused of the offence at Garoon, Mountmellick on May 16, 2022.  

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the allegation was serious and the injured party had suffered “two bones broken on the top of his spine” and had two more broken on the bottom of the back. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said she had been instructed to enter a guilty plea by her client who wasn’t in court and was working abroad. She said the man would be willing to come home in April for a court appearance. 

“Our insurance company have dealt with the case and it has been paid out,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

After Sgt Kirby told Judge Cody that the defendant had no previous convictions, Judge Cody accepted jurisdiction in the case. 

Judge Cody adjourned the matter to Portlaoise District Court on April 4 for finalisation and for production of a medical certificate and/or a victim impact statement.