Man put off the road for three years over north Longford dangerous driving incident

Roy Garry (35) of Carrick Stables, Ballinalack, Westmeath faced seven motoring offences at the court sitting arising from an incident on March 30, 2022 at Main Street, Drumlish.

Mr Garry was charged with failing to stay at the scene of an accident, two counts of driving with bald tyres, dangerous driving, and two counts of failing to give Gardai information about an accident. Three of the charges were struck out before the prosecution commenced giving evidence.

Sergeant Enda Daly outlined details of the incident. On March 30, 2022 at 9pm officers responded to a call about a two vehicle collision. When they got to the scene they met with a lady who was in her car with two children when a vehicle driven by the defendant pulled out from a side street and collided with the front of her car.

The offending car failed to remain at the scene. The officers found the car “abandoned” on Main Street Drumlish with considerable damage to the front wing. Sgt Daly described the crash as significant but not serious.

Solicitor John Quinn said his client fully accepted his guilt. Mr Garry had seven previous convictions including breach of the public order, road traffic and drug offences, with the last one dating back to 2017. Mr Quinn said the defendant had engaged fully with authorities and was determined to deal with his issues. He was fully insured at the time of the collision.

Mr Quinn said the defendant was not working at the moment and was on €176 per week, he is the father of three young children. The solicitor said a medical report was available to the court.

Judge John Brennan said: “This could have been a serious matter, thankfully it was not.” The driver of the other car gave no victim impact statement.

Judge Brennan said Mr Garry had “clearly panicked” when he collided with the other car. Although he caused “considerable damage” he did call in to the local Garda station when contacted about the matter.

The court was told that Mr Garry had a “small” number of previous convictions. Mr Quinn said although his client has a background issues with alcohol, he is addressing them. The judge noted that Mr Garry had “slipped off the wagon” at this time.

Judge Brennan said in the circumstances a fine was the appropriate sentence, he said given the defendant's limited income and the fact he no longer drives a vehicle given the current cost of living crisis would impose a fine of €200 for the dangerous driving with a three years disqualification, and a further €100 fine for failing to stay at the scene.