Laois court told disqualified driver knocked man down and drove away

A construction worker admitted driving away after knocking a man down in Monasterevin exactly one year after being disqualified from driving. 

Dermot Hanlon (40) of 13 Ferns Walk, Ferns Bridge, Monasterevin, Co Kildare appeared before Portlaoise District Court in relation to the matter. 

He was accused of hit and run failing to remain at the scene, having no insurance, no licence and dangerous driving at Cowpasture, Monasterevin, on October 6, 2024. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said gardaí responded to a call about a vehicle hitting a pedestrian at Cowpasture, Monasterevin at 2.15am on the night in question. 

Sgt Kirby said a pedestrian was knocked down and “the vehicle failed to remain at the scene”. 

He said the pedestrian was taken to Tullamore Hospital where no breaks or fractures were discovered but soft tissue damage was noted. 

Sgt Kirby said responding gardai were informed that the defendant had phoned in and admitted knocking the man down. The court was told neither men were known to each other. 

Sgt Kirby said the defendant was disqualified from driving for two years on October 6, 2023. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty to the offence. She said he believed his disqualification had expired and was pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the man was no longer driving and the car was impounded. She said her client worked as a machine operator on building sites. 

Judge Cody noted the date of the disqualification and the fact that “a year to the day he knocks down this person.” 

He said it was a serious offence and he fined him €500 for the hit and run and disqualified him from driving for six years. He imposed a €750 fine for having no insurance and disqualified him for six years, another six year ban and a €250 fine for driving without a licence and he issued a further €500 fine and six year disqualification for dangerous driving.