Driver caught overtaking at 150km/h in Longford in rush to ‘spooked’ dog avoids ban
The defendant of Barry Avenue, Termonbarry, county Roscommon, pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to careless driving at Lissanurlan, Longford on Halloween night 2022.
A speeding motorist, who overtook an articulated lorry driving at 150km per hour on Halloween night and told gardaí he was rushing home to his dog who was 'spooked' by fireworks, must complete community service and he has avoided a driving ban.
Michael Nevin of Barry Avenue, Termonbarry, county Roscommon, pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to careless driving at Lissanurlan, Longford on October 31, 2022.
At a previous hearing in April, Garda Allan Doherty said he was on patrol with his colleague Garda Sean Harrison at Lissanurlan on October 31, 2022 when he 'proceeded to follow this motor car and I observed the driver driving at 150kph'.
Garda Doherty said the defendant overtook an articulated truck while it was raining and at a time when the roads were extremely wet and weather conditions were poor.
Officers stopped the defendant driving the car on the N5 in the direction of Termonbarry and he was identified as Michael Nevin."
Garda Doherty said a lawful demand was made to Mr Nevin for his insurance cert and driving licence and he presented his policy, however, it was 'void' at the time.
Mr Nevin had 48 previous convictions.
Judge Owens had previously directed that a community service assessment be completed and she indicated, if deemed suitable, the defendant could complete 100 hours in lieu of a term of four months imprisonment.
Last Tuesday, Judge Owens noted there was not an extensive probation report other than it stated the defendant had been deemed suitable for community service and she noted her had completed a Pro Social driving course as directed.
Judge Bernadette Owens said Nevin would now have a conviction recorded for careless driving.
Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn, defending, said that given his client's engagement and his explanation to the Gardaí on the day he was asking Judge Owens to exercise her discretion and not to disqualify him.
Judge Owens ordered Nevin to do 100 hours of community service in lieu of four months in prison.
She noted that he had complete the driving course she decided to impose a €300 fine with nine months to pay and did not disqualify him.