Disabled man with three driving bans 'deeply regrets' city centre collision

A 23-YEAR-OLD motorist with several driving bans was convicted of careless driving, causing a collision in Limerick city centre on March 14, 2022.

Michael Coonan, with an address at Knockadrohid, Clare, was driving on Bridge Street in a Volkswagen Passat, while tailing a BMW. Barrister-in-Law, Donal Cronin, defending, said that Mr Coonan was driving “too fast”.

In a hearing, Limerick District Court heard that the BMW braked and Mr Coonan’s car collided into the vehicle while turning onto George’s Quay.

Mr Cronin BL said that all parties involved in the incident have been reimbursed with insurance, including the buildings damaged.

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Inspector Martyn Wallace, prosecuting, outlined that the man has 17 previous convictions for road traffic offences, including driving without insurance and failing to produce a driving licence.

The man had previously received three previous driving bans from court, for a consecutive total of two, four and six years. Mr Cronin said in mitigation that the man was driving “too fast in all circumstances”, and “he’s on disability allowance”.

Judge Valerie Corcoran issued the man a €250 fine and conviction, saying that she wouldn't ban him from driving, given the circumstances.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme