Man who was captured on video driving erratically in Longford hit with hefty fine

A driver who was seen driving erratically in north Longford has been convicted and hit with a hefty fine.

Sergei Bachu of Beechwood Park, Granard pleaded guilty at the local district court to careless driving at Muckerstaff, Granard.

Inspector Declan McGlynn said Gardaí received a report from a complainant of a Peugeot car being driven in a reckless manner between Granard and Ballinalee at 6.15pm on April 26, 2024.

"The witness reported observing the vehicle crossing the centre line onto the opposite side of the road and causing oncoming traffic to take evasive action.

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"This went on for approximately five minutes."

Insp McGlynn said the complainant recorded a video of the alleged vehicle on her phone which she then provided to Gardaí.

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The court heard that Gardaí attended the scene but they did not manage to intercept the vehicle.

Insp McGlynn stated the car was found parked outside the defendant's address at 7 Beechwood Park in Granard and the witness subsequently made a statement of complaint.

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The prosecuting officer said Mr Bachu was invited to make a caution statement which he did and he admitted driving the vehicle at the time of the offence.

The defendant had one previous conviction.

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Solicitor John Quinn said his client had conceded and accepted that he drove in a careless and erratic manner and he thanked the State for being considerate and allowing a charge of dangerous driving to be reduced to careless driving.

"It was a very bendy road and he might have crossed over the white line but there was no issue of traffic congestion or danger.

Mr Quinn said Mr Bachu received a very good report from his employer and he stated it outlined he is a very reliable worker whose driving licence is essential to him as he lives quite some distance from his workplace, C&D Foods in Edgeworthstown.

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Judge Bernadette Owens considered the case and she decided to impose a €750 fine with four months to pay.