Longford man who recklessly chased another car pleads guilty to dangerous and drunk driving
Defendant sustained “life changing injuries” as a result of the crash
A Longford man charged with intentionally or recklessly setting off in a chase with another car that created a “substantial risk” or death of serious injury will return before court in June for the conclusion of the case against him.
Judge Bernadette Owens asked for an outline of the charges against Ronan Noone (33), of Ballycloughan, Carrickboy, Longford, prior to deciding jurisdiction.
Mr Noone is charged with reckless driving, dangerous driving and drink driving following an incident at Toneen, Moydow, Longford on November 26 last year.
Sgt Mark Mahon said the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to summary disposal, meaning the case could be heard in the District Court, on a guilty plea only. Solicitor Frank Gearty indicated that his client was pleading guilty to all the charges.
Sgt Mahon said at 11:45pm on the day of the incident motorist Shane Nevin encountered a vehicle stopped in the middle of a road. The driver had difficulty passing and when he did the other car turned and started following him.
Mr Nevin, and his passenger, were in fear of the vehicle following them and sped up.
Sgt Mahon said at one point the two vehicles were going at over 160kph on a narrow country road.
The driver of the pursuing vehicle, Mr Noone, lost control and the speed of the collision was so forceful that the engine was ripped from the car.
Sgt Mahon said in the course of the Garda investigation they acquired CCTV from a public house showing Mr Noone in an intoxicated condition getting into a car 25 minutes before the accident.
Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction over the case.
Mr Gearty said his client had sustained “life changing injuries” as a result of the crash.
He told the court Mr Noone had suffered complete memory loss about the incident, but acknowledged how awful it was.
The solicitor said he felt a Probation Report would indicate his client would never reoffend again. Judge Owens said before she concluded the matter she would like to see a victim impact report from the driver and passenger in the other vehicle and directed that Mr Noone be the subject of a Probation Report.
The matter was then adjourned to June 11.