Man banned for driving red BMW at up to 180kph Laois

A sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told a man drove a red BMW at speeds of up to 180kph in Laois. 

Brandon Twomey (24) of Glenview, Castle Street, Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny, appeared in court accused of dangerous driving, refusing to give a name and address and driving without licence or insurance on the Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise and failing to produce a licence or insurance at Main Street, Rathmoyle, Abbeyleix on October 20, 2024. 

Judge Andrew Cody addressed the court after reading a probation report on the defendant. 

He noted the defendant had driven a red BMW at “speeds of up to 180kph” and that pursuing gardaí had lost the driver due to his speed. He also noted that the man had 11 previous convictions including for speeding and not having tax and insurance. 

“These are serious matters,” he said. 

Judge Cody imposed a 12 month prison sentence which he suspended for two years. He banned him from driving for four years and ordered that the man undertake counselling and complete 80 hours of community service.