Longford judge urges Garda giving evidence to ‘calm down’ and not break speed limit

As Longford Garda Edward Flanagan set off on a rapid recital of facts relating to a speeding charge before the court, Judge Bernadette Owens looked on as though taken aback by the pace. 

“Garda Flanagan!” she remarked. “Will you calm down or you’ll break the speed limit yourself! I didn’t even get my speed gun out in time,” she quipped, to audible laughter from those in the courtroom. 

The charge in question concerned Trevor Fitzgerald of 27 Teffia Park, Dublin Road, Longford, who, on April 29 last year, was recorded by Garda Flanagan driving in Stonepark, Longford at a speed of 81km/h in a 50km/h zone. 

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Mr Fitzgerald was served with a Fixed Penalty Notice however it went unpaid which consequently resulted in a court summons. 

Representing the accused, solicitor Diarmuid Quinn told the court that his client “should have paid but it was just overlooked”. He said Mr Fitzgerald accepted he was over the speed limit and requested leniency from the court, explaining that his client “is on the road a lot in terms of his work” and was therefore “reliant on the license”. 

Judge Owens convicted Mr Fitzgerald, fining him €400 with six months to pay.  

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