Man in Offaly 'sulky race' facing prosecution

A MAN accused of dangerous driving following a garda observation of a sulky will be pleading not guilty, Tullamore District Court heard.

Daniel Greene (29), Dernacart, Geashill, has been summonsed for dangerous driving at Clashagad, Dunkerrin on December 20, 2020.

When he appeared before the District Court, Judge Andrew Cody was told by Sergeant James O'Sullivan that a plea to the lesser charge of careless driving would be acceptable to the prosecution.

Sergeant O'Sullivan said the alleged evidence would be that a garda had seen Mr Greene leading a sulky with a horse and it appeared there were three sulkies having a race at 2.30pm.

The evidence would be that the accused's sulky was on the wrong side of the road when he was attempting to overtake. The gardai had received a call about the activity.

Judge Cody indicated that he would not be accepting a plea to careless driving and also pointed out that two bench warrants had been issued in relation to the matter previously.

Suzanne Dooner, BL, for the accused, said Mr Greene had turned up in court on this occasion and she also requested a hearing date.

Judge Cody remanded the accused on continuing bail to the court sitting on January 13 next when a date will be fixed for a hearing.