Learner driver in Offaly failed to stop for Gardai deploying blue lights

A learner driver who drove at high speeds failed to stop for gardai.

In his evidence to the court, Garda Jude Doyle said he was operating a speed check at 4pm on August 2, 2021 when he detected Jason McCourtney (21) Fr Mullen Drive, Daingean Offaly, driving at a speed of 136 kilometres in an 80 kilometre zone.

He didn't slow down when gardai indicated for him to do so. Gardai deployed the blue lights and Mr McCourtney took off at speed overtaking another vehicle at a bend at Ballyknockan, Geashill. He had to stop when he came to a junction.

Mr McCourtney was a Learner Driver, and was driving unaccompanied without displaying any L Plates. He was also driving with no insurance.

Barrister Aine Rush said Mr McCourtney was pleading guilty to all matters and he was hoping to get the offence reduced to careless rather than dangerous driving.

Judge Andrew Cody said if he had stopped when he was told there might have been some chance but he said this was not careless driving, it was deliberate dangerous driving, adding that the defendant had overtaken on a bend.

Mr McCourtney faced another summons for having fireworks at Arden View Tullamore. Gardai had heard a loud bang and went to investigate they found Jason McCourtney with five fireworks at his feet.

He has previous convictions but Ms Rush said he hadn't come to garda attention since.

She said the defendant was a rugby player and is working at the moment. He was 20 at the time the offences happened. His own car had broken down and he had to use a different car.

He has made some mistakes but is working hard now and is a functioning member of society. He is very apologetic.

Judge Cody fined Mr McCourtney €300 for driving without insurance and disqualified him from driving for two years.

He fined him €300 for dangerous driving with a disqualification of two years.

For failure to produce documents he fined him €100 and gave him three months to pay and for driving unaccompanied he fined him €100. For the summons related to the fireworks he fined him €100.