Longford man accused of dangerous driving requests video footage

A Ballymahon man representing himself on charges of multiple offences has requested any available CCTV footage from one of the two incidents before the court. 

39-year-old Philip Grace of 14 Crevagh Bawn in Ballymahon appeared before Longford District Court charged with road traffic offences arising from November 12 last year. 

It is alleged that on the date in question Mr Grace was driving dangerously in Ballymahon. He is also charged with failing to comply with Garda Edward Flanagan’s directions at a checkpoint.  

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Addressing the court, Mr Grace, raised the issue of camera footage.  

“I got the full disclosure documentation and there’s a couple of bits missing,” he explained, “I’m looking for evidence of the first and second charge. Was there a camera on Garda Flanagan’s vehicle?”  

He added, “Cameras, witnesses, cameras possibly on the Main Street of Ballymahon also? Also Judge, the guard that was with Garda Flanagan on the day, her name wasn’t mentioned.” 

In response, Sergeant Enda Daly, said it was “disappointing” that the defendant had not made his requests in writing to the Gardaí prior to his court appearance on the day in question given that the disclosure had been sent to him in February and that submitting a written request in advance would have saved time.  

“Regarding CCTV, it wouldn’t be relevant to the prosecution,” Sgt Daly added, to which Mr Grace replied, “Even a camera on the vehicle!” 

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On Sgt Daly’s recommendation, Judge Owens agreed that Mr Grace should compile in writing a list of what he alleges is outstanding.   

“The other thing is,” Mr Grace explained, “I have two judicial reviews filed in the High Court, remember I was telling you the last day?” The reviews, the court heard, were in relation to separate matters.  

Looking at his file, Judge Owens added, “There’s another matter. A Garda Lenehan matter. There’s a section 19, a section 6 public order, another section 6 public order and two careless driving allegations.”  

These charges related to existing allegations against Mr Grace, arising from January 18, 2025, at Drinan in Ballymahon, where he is alleged to have “wilfully obstructed” Garda Aidan Lenehan during the course of his duty. 

Mr Grace also stands accused of driving without due care and attention in Drinan, Balllymahon and having engaged in “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to breach the peace” on Main Street, Ballymahon.  

When Judge Owens queried whether disclosure had been received by him on this, Mr Grace replied that the matters in question were the subject of the two aforementioned judicial reviews filed in the High Court. 

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Judge Owens said the court had not been aware of this. 

Sgt Daly said it was the state’s opinion that “a delay tactic was at play here” and he suggested the court fix a date for May.

It was then confirmed the disclosure had been prepared and would be forwarded to the defendant.

Mr Grace was remanded on continuing bail and he is listed to appear before the court again on May 12 for plea or date.