Speeding 150kph driver in Longford told garda he was rushing home as fireworks spooked dog
The defendant admitted careless driving at Lissanurlan, Longford on October 31, 2022
A speeding motorist who overtook an articulated lorry driving at 150km per hour on Halloween night told gardaí he was rushing home to his dog who had become 'spooked' by fireworks.
Michael Nevin of 8 Barry Avenue, Termonbarry, county Roscommon, pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to careless driving at Lissanurlan, Longford on October 31, 2022.
Garda Inspector Declan McGlynn, for the State, informed Judge Bernadette Owens that the defendant had initially been charged with dangerous driving but the State had no objection to it being reduced to careless driving if she felt that was appropriate.
Garda Alan Doherty said he was on patrol with his colleague Garda Sean Harrison at Lissanurlan on October 31, 2022 when he 'proceeded to follow this motor car and I observed the driver driving at 150kph'.
"He overtook an articulated truck and at the time the weather conditions were poor, the roads were extremely wet and it was raining at the time.
"This motor car was then stopped and the man driving the car on the N5 in the direction of Termonbarry was Michael Nevin."
Garda Doherty said traffic was not very busy at the time but conditions were wet.
Judge Owens agreed to accept a reduced charge of careless driving.
Garda Doherty said a lawful demand was made to Mr Nevin for his insurance cert and driving licence and he presented his policy, however, it was 'void' at the time.
Judge Owens asked if the defendant had a driving licence and this was handed into her.
The court heard Mr Nevin had 48 previous convictions.
Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client has a large family and his licence was very important to him and appealed to Judge Owens for leniency.
"His family are very reliant on him in terms of his driving.
"It was Halloween night when this happened and he had a dog at home in Termonbarry and the dog had got out and the fireworks had spooked the dog."
Judge Owens directed that a community service assessment be completed and she indicated, if deemed suitable, the defendant could complete 100 hours in lieu of a term of four months imprisonment.
Judge Owens also ordering him to complete a Pro Social driving course and she subsequently adjourned the case until July 21.