Big driving bans for two men caught driving at excessive speeds on Tullamore by-pass
TWO men caught driving at excessive speeds were both disqualified when they appeared at a recent sitting of Tullamore District Court.
In his evidence to the court, Garda Patrick McGee said he was on duty at Clonminch, Tullamore, on November 24, 2022 at 8.30pm. He said he could hear two cars going around the roundabout heading towards Tesco at Cloncollig,
He said the two cars took off at a ''huge acceleration'' and were travelling between 160 kilometres and 180 kilometres per hour. He said he couldn't catch up with them and didn't get a chance to activate the blue lights. He said once they got to the roundabout they slowed down because of traffic and he was able to activate the blue lights.
Sean McDermott (26) of Belleek, Durrow, Tullamore, was driving a BMW and P J Leonard (18) of Tinnycross, was driving a Volkswagen Golf. Both had full driving licences.
Judge Andrew Cody said it was this type of driving that was keeping undertakers busy at the moment.
Solicitor Donal Farrelly said Mr McDermott was in an apprenticeship. He had no previous convictions. He said he was willing to undertake an expensive driving programme to improve his driving skills. He has learned his lesson, he said. He asked Judge Cody to leave him his licence as he was only 26 and struggling to hold onto his apprenticeship. Garda McGee said he had been very forthcoming.
Solicitor Patrick Martin was representing P J Leonard who he said is starting an apprenticeship. He apologises to the court, he said. Mr Martin said both had cooperated once the Garda lights went on and had pulled up immediately. He said he needs his licence for work. He had brought €400 with him to court.
Judge Cody remarked with speeds in excess of 180 kilometres he needn't think he can drop €400 into the court poor box.
Judge Cody said these two young men were driving in excess of 180 kilometres and the Garda car was unable to catch up with them for over a mile on the Tullamore by-pass. He said it wasn't a question of careless driving which is someone doing their incompetent best. He noted that both cars turned onto the by-pass which he described as a reasonably good road. He said he was satisfied that their driving was a danger to the public and he had a duty to the public
He convicted both of dangerous driving. He took into account that neither had previous convictions. Mr McDermott was earning €400 per week he was told. He fined him €500 and disqualified him from driving for a period of two years.
Mr Leonard, who is about to start an apprenticeship and hopes to earn €350 was also fined €500 and disqualified from driving for two years.
The judge fixed recognisance for both men on their own bond of €200 each with a cash lodgment of €300 should they wish to appeal.