Driver on Offaly road did not see quad bike in time

WHAT was described as an 'incident' on an Offaly road earlier this year resulted in a quad driver being prosecuted for motoring offences.

Sergeant Richard Thornton told Tullamore District Court that a garda attended an incident on a public road at Meelaghans, Tullamore where the accused man, Patrick Molloy (33), Tinnycross, Tullamore, had been driving a quad bike.

Sergeant Thornton said Mr Molloy had been on the road at 6am on February 2 when it was dark and another driver did not see him in time.

He had previous convictions for failing to comply with the direction of a garda and threatening to damage property.

Defending solicitor Patrick Martin said that though Mr Molloy's vehicle had lights on the car did not see him. His client had gone to help a friend with cattle.

When Judge Andrew Cody remarked that Mr Molloy was lucky he had not been killed, Mr Martin said the quad bike had “some lights” and the other driver could have seen him and the matter could have been contested in court but it was not.

Pleas of guilty were entered to careless driving and driving without insurance. Mr Martin said his client lived alone in an isolated area and was on disability.

He needed his licence and had issues with poor mental health and had been involved with the psychiatric service.

Mr Molloy told the court he had insurance on his car.

Judge Cody adjourned consideration of the matter to July 17 next for Mr Molloy to produce evidence of insurance, tax and NCT, otherwise he would be facing disqualification from driving.