‘Appalling’: Traffic on Longford’s N4 forced to take evasive action to avoid dangerous driver

A Longford resident, who has admitted a dangerous driving offence where he overtook other road users on a continuous white line and near a bad bend, has been ordered to complete a driving course.

Kleber Silva Santos Nunes (24) of 30 Abbeycartron, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to a charge of dangerous driving on the N4 at Camlisk Beg, Edgeworthstown on October 31, 2024.

Garda Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said Gardaí observed a motorist driving a silver Audi A6 cross over a continuous white line to overtake another vehicle at 1pm, however, he forced oncoming traffic to take evasive action to avoid him.

Garda John Fitzmaurice then observed the same vehicle perform another overtaking manoeuvre on an agricultural lorry crossing on the right hand lane while there was a significant left hand bend ahead.

The court heard Gardaí stopped the driver of the vehicle and he produced a learner permit and he was subsequently arrested and charged with dangerous driving.

Sgt Mahon said the defendant was disqualified from driving for eight months on April 1 last arising out of an offence on August 17, 2024.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds said her client, a Brazilian national, who has been living in Ireland for the past seven years deeply regretted the incident.

"He accepts that his driving on the day was appalling and he is extremely apologetic.

"Three other road users complained to the Gardaí  about this incident.

"He recognises his mistake and he will not let it happen again."

Ms Reynolds said her client works in a factory where he earns €450 per week and his partner is expecting their first child in November.

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"He has written an apology on his phone which has been translated from Portuguese into English."

Judge Bernadette Owens noted the defendant had previous convictions that were imposed earlier this year.

"The vista described by the sergeant is a very serious one.

"Unfortunately we know that there is a very significant record of serious road accidents on the N4."

Judge Owens decided to direct the defendant to complete the pro-social driving course and she adjourned the case until December 8 next for finalisation.

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