Longford District Court: Dangerous driving charge reduced to careless driving

A defendant who had a dangerous driving charge reduced to careless driving was fined €400 at Longford District Court. Shane Quinn (21) of Aughadowry, Ballinamuck, Longford was initially charged with dangerous driving at Carrickatane, Ballinalee, Longford.

Sergeant Enda Daly said that on October 14, 2022 at 3am Gardaí attended to a single vehicle road traffic accident. The officers observed a male trapped in a vehicle that was overturned onto its roof.

Sgt Daly said an investigation indicated that the vehicle had collided with a ditch before going out of control. Emergency services had to attend the scene.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh made a case to Judge Shalom Binchy that the State did not reach the threshold of evidence for dangerous driving.

Ms Mimnagh said that it was “a once off situation” and that no other party was put in harm. The solicitor said Mr Quinn had taken his eye off the road for a moment.

The legal representative said her client works as an agricultural contractor. At the time he was working later as it was coming close to the end of the slurry spreading season. He was very busy working late into the night.

When the accident happened he was going home after having been in his employers house, he was tired as he drove home.

Having heard the facts Judge Binchy said: “Mr Quinn was very fortunate. He is lucky to be alive. There have been many recent incidents like this that have had less favourable outcomes. Has he learned a lesson?”

The solicitor said her client is now 21 years of age and he was “very well aware” of how lucky he was: “He will not drive if he feels tired,” Ms Mimnagh added.

Reducing the charge from dangerous driving to careless driving Judge Binchy said: “I hope he does not see this as a green light to drive as he wants.”

Noting the guilty plea to careless driving the judge imposed a fine of €400 with six months to pay.