Crashed into a fence in Portlaoise

A learner driver who crashed into a fence in Laois appeared before Portlaoise District Court. 

Margaret McDonagh(29) of 57 Church Hill, Tullamore, Co Offaly admitted crashing into a fence at Lake Drive, Kilminchy, Portlaoise on June 2, 2024. 

She admitted driving without reasonable consideration, driving as a learner while unaccompanied, having no L-plates displayed, having a bald tyre and not having a valid NCT on the date.

Garda Sergeant JJ KIrby said gardai responded to a report that a 10KE registered Toyota Avensis had “collided with a fence” at Lake Drive, Kilminchy. 

The defendant told gardai that she had just purchased the vehicle and that the “brakes were bad”. Gardaí discovered the car had no valid NCT and that a front tyre was bald. Sgt Kirby said the defendant had eight previous convictions. 

Anne Doyle BL told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the woman was pleading guilty to the offences. 

She said the woman had just bought the car when the incident occurred. “She mistakenly believed there was a valid NCT with the vehicle,” said Ms Doyle.

She said her client “simply didn’t have the chance” to put L-plates on the car before the collision occurred. She asked the court to be as lenient as possible with the woman. 

Judge Andrew Cody said it was “a very dangerous vehicle that she was not able to drive.” 

He disqualified her from driving for two years and issued fines totalling €600.