Offaly farm worker crashed into a car carrying a baby on his way to pay drug debt

An Offaly farm worker who fled the scene after crashing into a car carrying a baby while disqualified had been on his way to pay a drug debt, Portlaoise District Court was told. 

Sam Leech (23) of 20 Kilmanaghan Lodge, New Road, Clara, Co Offaly, admitted dangerous driving, driving without a licence and insurance and two counts of hit and run at Spa Street, Portarlington on December 20 last. 

Garda Stephen Lynott said the defendant rear ended a car containing a couple and their three children. He said one of the children was a ten week old baby. 

“When leaving the scene he drove on the wrong side of the road,” said Garda Lynott. 

He said the defendant, who has 13 previous convictions, had later attended at the garda station and made full admissions. He said the defendant didn’t own the vehicle. 

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“Mr Leech was disqualified at the time of the incident. He had no licence or insurance,” he said. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted the man had three previous convictions for no insurance and one for hit and run. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty to the offences. 

“He had a drug addiction at the time,” she said. She said the man had a drug debt. “He was en route to pay that when he struck the car. He absolutely panicked," she said. 

She said the man fully admitted his role and had since been treated for mental health difficulties. She said his mother was in court supporting him. 

She asked Judge Andrew Cody not to send him straight to jail and said he was now working for a cattle dealer in Co Westmeath. 

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She said the man had studied at Gurteen College and secured a qualification but he later developed a reliance on cocaine. She said this had led to his problems but he was now working and living at his place of work. She produced a letter written by the man’s mother and said he had managed to gather €700 for the injured party. 

Garda Lynott said the collision cost the other motorist €900.

Ms Fitzpatrick said if given the chance her client would pay all of the money. 

A co-worker appeared in court and gave evidence in relation to the defendant. 

He described the man as “a very good worker” and said he was, “a great asset to the company. He is running the whole yard of cattle.” 

The  man said he drove the defendant to court and he confirmed that he was no longer driving. 

Ms Fitzpatrick asked “the court for an opportunity to show the court he is not going to be back.” 

Judge Cody said the man was lucky not to get an immediate prison sentence. He directed that the money be given to the injured party and he ordered a probation report. Judge Cody adjourned the case to November 6 and warned the man he would be jailed if he got behind the wheel of a vehicle.