Fine for Offaly motorist who drove through red light and hit another vehicle

A CRASH at a crossroads in Offaly was caused after a driver failed to observe a red traffic light, Judge Andrew Cody heard at Tullamore District Court last week.

Before the court was Dean Ward (55) with an address at Montview, Ballinagappa, Naas in County Kildare. He was accused of careless driving contrary to section 52(1).

Garda Adrian Corcoran of Edenderry Garda Station told the court that on November 13, 2023, he received a report of a road traffic collision at Killane Cross in Edenderry, which he described as a four-road crossroads controlled by traffic lights.

Garda Corcoran said the defendant's car went through red lights and struck another vehicle.

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He took a statement from the defendant who said he failed to observe the lights as he approached the crossroads and collided with the other vehicle.

Gardai Corcoran inspected the necessary documents for the defendant and his vehicle and found they were all in order and also noted the defendant has no penalty points recorded on his driving licence and no previous convictions.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the offence and told Judge Cody "it was a bright day" and he "thought the light was green".

Judge Cody convicted and fined him €400 with three months to pay and no disqualification from driving.

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