Two-year road ban for unaccompanied Offaly driver who 'panicked'

A DRIVER who had been stopped at a checkpoint and then left at speed was disqualified from driving for two years.

Graham Newman (34), Cluain Abhainn, Clara admitted dangerous driving at Ballycumber Road, Clara on September 29 last and driving unaccompanied when he was a provisional licence holder.

Mr Newman had also been prosecuted for another count of dangerous driving and for allegedly failing or refusing to comply with a requirement to provide a specimen of his breath.

Pleas of guilty to one count of dangerous driving and to driving unaccompanied were entered by defending solicitor Patrick Martin and Sergeant Justine Reilly told Tullamore District Court they were acceptable to the prosecution.

Sergeant Reilly said Mr Newman left the area of a checkpoint on the Ballycumber Road at speed towards Erry Mill after saying to gardai that he was “sorry”.

When gardai called to the address of the registered owner of the 2008 Longford registered vehicle they spoke to Mr Newman and he admitted he was an unaccompanied driver and that he had panicked on the day.

There had been no incidents involving him since, Sergeant Reilly said.

Mr Martin said his client was in good employment as a social care worker and the disqualification which would result from the conviction would probably mean he would not be able to go to work.

Sergeant Reilly said the incident occurred at 9pm on what she described as a “remote road” and gardai did believe the man had panicked.

Along with a two-year driving ban, Judge Andrew Gubbins imposed a fine of €500. Mr Newman has 12 months to pay the fine.

(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)