Man drove in wrong lane and caused head-on collision in Offaly

Man and woman were arraigned at Tullamore Circuit Court

placeholder image — Man and woman were arraigned at Tullamore Circuit Court

A man was convicted for careless driving when he was summonsed to last week's sitting of Tullamore Court.

Philip Collotty, Togher, Rhode committed the offence on January 6, 2022 at Forty Acres Daingean.

Sgt James O'Sullivan told the Judge that the Guards were called to a two car collision at 12.30pm on January 6, 2022.

“The accident took place on the Daingean to Croghan road. The defendant and a female driver were driving in opposite directions, when the defendant drifted over into the wrong lane and caused a head-on collision.”

The victim suffered a broken arm, continued the Sergeant, and she is still using crutches.

The defending solicitor Patrick Martin said his client bent down to pick up cigarettes and briefly took his eye off the road which led to him veering into the wrong lane.

“He is 61 years of age. He apologises to the court for the incident. Please be as lenient as possible.”

Judge John O'Leary said a mitigating factor was the defendant wasn't speeding at the time. He convicted and fined €500.