Longford motorists forced to swerve off road to avoid ‘drifting’ dangerous driver

A man with a history described as “appalling” has appeared before Longford District Court charged with dangerous driving. 

Jason Maughan, who lives at 68 Cashel Avenue, Crumlin, Dublin 12, was driving in the area of Newcastle, Ballymahon, County Longford, at around midday on September 16, 2023, when the offence is alleged to have occurred. 

In delivering a summary of events, Sergeant for the State, Enda Daly, told the court that witnesses claimed to have seen Mr Maughan “drifting onto the other side of the road,” and then swerving back onto his own side. In some cases, oncoming cars had to swerve onto the grass verge to avoid a collision. 

Also read: Longford man with multiple disqualifications ‘beating himself up’ over decision to drive

Said Sgt Daly, “A number of witnesses who were driving their vehicles will outline that the defendant was driving a Nissan Qashai. The road they were travelling on was twisty and undulating in nature with numerous bends. The witnesses will outline from the very first time they saw this car, it was constantly drifting across the road onto the oncoming lane.” 

He added, “The driving was so bad, they took a number of videos on their phone. They felt he was a danger and not fit to be driving. This car stopped on the road not far from Center Parcs and the witnesses rang Gardaí to alert them to the dangerous driving.” 

The court heard that Mr Maughan had 15 previous convictions, none of which are road traffic related. 

Judge Bernadette Owens directed a probation report to include a pro-social driving course, and the possibility of a community service assessment with  a view to it explaining the defendant's “appalling, appalling history.” Mr Maughan was remanded on continuing bail until January 13.

Also read: ‘Shock’ in Drumlish as man fights for his life, Longford Gardaí appeal for witnesses