Lorry driver who was involved in Longford collision receives €650 fine

A lorry driver, who was not familiar with the road and admitted to careless driving which led to him colliding with another vehicle in county Longford, has been convicted and received a hefty fine.

Piotr Kowalski of O'Rahilly View, New Ross, county Wexford pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence on February 28, 2024.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí received a report that a lorry had collided with another vehicle on the date in question at Tirlickeen Bridge in the Ballymahon area.

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"(The injured party) had stalled and stopped and he was indicating to turn right up to his home place when a lorry that was travelling behind him careered into him," he added.

Sgt Mahon said the injured party was hospitalised for minor injuries, but he was discharged a short time later.

Mr Kowalski had two previous convictions, which related to driving with bald tyres in 2018.

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Solicitor Anthony Feeney stated his client is a father of four and a professional driver who lives with his partner.

"His licence is extremely important to him and he relies on it," he said. "There was a diversion as a result of road works and he was not familiar with the road."

Judge Bernadette decided not to disqualify Mr Kowalski and instead she convicted him and imposed a €650 fine with six months to pay.