Fine and warning for motorist who overtook traffic at scene of Limerick road collision

A MOTORIST who overtook traffic on the wrong side of the road while towing a horse box has been fined for not having the correct licence.

Angela O'Riordan, aged 51, of Mount Fox, Kilmallock was before the local court arising from an incident on the N24, near Pallasgreen on March 1, last.

Giving evidence, Garda Pat Aherne said he was attending the scene of a road collision at around 10.45am when he was alerted to a vehicle which was overtaking traffic which had been stopped by emergency services.

He testified that the 232-registered black Toyota Hilux was pulling a horsebox and was overtaking traffic on the wrong side of the road.

When questioned about her driving behaviour at the scene, Ms O'Riordan claimed that she was running late to bring her daughter to a horse trial and that the horses (in the horse box) were becoming anxious. 

READ NEXT: On-the-run Limerick prisoner is back behind bars for Christmas

Garda Aherne disputed this saying he didn't notice any erratic behaviour from the horses during his encounter with the 51-year old defendant. 

Solicitor Elizabeth Enright told the court that her client has no previous convictions and that she had produced a full driving license to gardai on the day of the offence.

However, Garda Aherne pointed out that it was a standard 'category B' licence which did not allow her to drive the Hilux and horse box, given their combined weight - which was more than 5.3 tonnes.

Ms Enright told the court that Ms Riordan has started the process of gaining a 'category C' license which will allow her to legally drive the vehicle whilst pulling the horse box and that she currently has a learner permit, which was produced in court. 

Garda Aherne reiterated that she currently doesn't have the necessary full license and the learner permit means Ms O'Riordan must be accompanied by a fully qualified driver. 

Judge Patricia Harney agreed, commenting: "She shouldn't be driving at all without the relevant paperwork".

Ms O'Riordan was convicted and fined €300.