'Anxiety' caused motorist to drive at at over 100kph in 50kph zone in Tullamore

A MAN must donate €1,500 to charity if he is to avoid a conviction for dangerous driving, Judge Andrew Cody ordered at Tullamore District Court.

Craig Nolan (28), Mooney Terrace, Kilcormac was detected driving at 106kph in a 50kph zone at Clara Road, Tullamore on June 10 last.

Aisling Maloney, defending solicitor, said Mr Nolan, a father of five, had made a mistake on the day and because of anxiety he had overtaken a car in front of him.

Though he was out of work short-term, he normally worked in Dublin and drove from Kilcormac at 4.30am so his licence would be vital to him.

Ms Maloney said Mr Nolan would be willing to make a financial contribution to the court.

Asked by Judge Cody how much he was willing to pay, Ms Maloney consulted with her client and said it was €1,000.

The judge responded: “Ask him a second time.”

The offer was then increased to €1,500 and Ms Maloney said the man would need time to pay because of his family commitments.

He would be returning to work and could pay €250 to €300 a month. Mr Nolan, who had no previous convictions, assured Judge Cody he was serious about making the full payment.

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The judge remanded him on continuing bail to appear in court again on November 5 next when the €1,500 will be paid to a charity nominated by the court.

Judge Cody said he would only reduce the charge to careless driving on that basis.

A conviction for dangerous driving carries a mandatory disqualification from driving.