Court hears driver's unusual explanation after Offaly collision

A FINE of €300 was imposed on a driver as a result of a collision near Banagher a year ago.

Tullamore District Court was told that Patrick McManus (31), Cloghanboy Crescent, Athlone was driving a work van when he collided with another vehicle at Taylor's Cross, Banagher on March 4, 2022.

Mr McManus pleaded guilty to driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Sergeant James O'Sullivan said the defendant's vehicle failed to stop at a junction which had a stop sign and the weather was fine.

Judge Andrew Cody heard the driver of other car was not injured and both vehicles were found to be in good condition. The accused man had previous convictions for minor road traffic offences.

Patrick Martin, defending solicitor, said it appeared a plastic bottle had got caught under the brake pedal and that meant Mr McManus had been unable to apply the brakes.