Court told that man caught speeding in Offaly was rushing help father who had heart attack

A MAN was speeding because he was on his way to his father who had suffered a heart attack, Tullamore District Court heard.

Sean Richard Coffey (39), Ardilaun Heights, Ballymahon Road, Mullingar, was detected driving at 82kph in a 50kph zone at Ballycumber Road, Clara on May 18 last.

When Mr Coffey appeared before the court and Judge Andrew Cody asked if he had anything to say, the accused replied: “I can't deny it.”

He added that he was rushing to the aid of his father who had suffered a heart attack.

Garda Finbarr O'Leahy, who prosecuted Mr Coffey for speeding, said he had not been told that and if the man had said that to him he would have taken a different attitude and would not have delayed him in those circumstances.

Mr Coffey told the court he did not explain to the garda at the time why he was rushing.

Judge Cody imposed a fine of €250.