Laois court issues warrant for man who is unlawfully at large from prison

A man who is unlawfully at large from prison failed to appear in court in Laois where he was accused of dangerous driving. 

Richard Calvert (24) of 44 Fairview Crescent, Garryowen, Limerick is accused of dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance at the M7 Ballydavis, Portlaoise on May 5, 2024.

Garda Ross Foy said the defendant was stopped driving a 132L registered VW Passat at 159kmh in a 120 km zone. 

“Mr Calvert admitted that he was disqualified from driving for seven years,” said Garda Foy. 

He said there was a strong smell of cannabis from the car and an oral swab was taken which tested positive for cocaine and amphetamines. The man was taken to Portlaoise Garda Station where a further sample later tested positive for cannabis but negative for alcohol or any other drugs. 

Garda Foy said the man was charged with dangerous driving. 

“159kph wasn’t a massive speed but taking everything into consideration and the seven year disqualification it was warranted,” he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

He said the man had 42 previous convictions for offences including drugs, public order and no insurance. 

Judge Andrew Cody convicted the man in his absence of dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance. He issued a bench warrant for the man’s arrest for sentencing. 

Garda Foy informed Judge Cody that “currently he is at large from Limerick Prison.”