‘A huge life lesson’ for speeding driver arrested in north Longford

A 19 year-old man, who admitted two counts of careless driving on the same date in North Longford,  has been ordered to complete a driver awareness course.

Alex Thomsen (19) of Rathowen, county Westmeath pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to two counts of careless driving at Lisryan, Granard and Balloo, Granard on May 23, 2025.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the State, said gardaí were on mobile patrol at 9.45pm on the day in question and whilst driving towards Granard they were met by the defendant's car.

"He appeared to be driving well in excess of the speed limit. They turned the patrol car and followed him and upon him seeing the patrol car the gardai were satisfied the speed was in excess of 100kph."

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Sgt Mahon said Gardaí followed the defendant through two townlands where the speed limits were 60kph and 80kph.

"At all times his speed was in excess of 100kph and at one stage the Gardaí looked at the speedometer on the car and estimated he was travelling at about 120kph."

The defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, handed in Mr Thomsen's driving licence to Judge Bernadette Owens.

"I am asking the court to regard this as a single event in a sense. This man has learnt a very significant lesson from this, he is a very valued worker at his workplace."

Mr Gearty said his  client's father was in court supporting him and his client could 'give a categoric assurance that nothing like this will happen again' in future.

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"He has no previous convictions and he is a person of otherwise excellent character with great prospects for the future.

"He lives in a rural area and he is absolutely depending on his licence for his living. It's a huge life lesson and fortunately no accident happened."

Judge Bernadette Owens directed Mr Thomsen to complete a Pro Social driving course and she adjourned the case until March 3 next.