Charge against elderly Offaly man dropped after judge's intervention

A CARELESS driving charge against an 88-year-old Offaly man was dropped after the intervention of Judge Andrew Cody.

Richard Jenkins, New Road, Clara, appeared at Tullamore District Court where a guilty plea was entered by his solicitor Patrick Martin to a summons from Garda John McManus alleging careless driving on the R402, Edenderry Road, Daingean.

Sergeant Richard Thornton, court presenter, said that on October 16, 2024 gardai were at the scene of a road traffic collision where a number of people were being treated for minor injuries.

Mr Jenkins was very cooperative with gardai and explained “he may not have paid full attention to the road”, said Sergeant Thornton.

The sergeant added that it may have been a rear-end collision and Mr Jenkins had no previous convictions.

Defending solicitor Mr Martin told Judge Cody: "Mr Jenkins is 88 years young. He uses this vehicle to go shopping."

The solicitor added that his client's wife was outside in a wheelchair and Mr Jenkins had two children with him in the courtroom.

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Mr Martin said the material damage was being dealt with by the insurance company.

“I'd ask you to be as lenient as possible,” he told the judge.

Judge Cody then asked Sergeant Thornton if he had any application to make to the court.

Sergeant Thornton replied: “I haven't been instructed to make any application.”

Judge Cody said he would adjourn the matter for two weeks and told the sergeant: “If you or me get to 88 driving without any previous convictions, in those circumstances, I'd like a bit of compassion.”

He adjourned the case to September 24 next for Sergeant Thornton to take instructions from his inspector.

A few minutes later the case was recalled and the sergeant told the judge the prosecution could be struck out.

Judge Cody responded: “I'm glad to see that.”

Before Mr Jenkins left the court he was told by the judge: “Be a little bit more careful Mr Jenkins. You don't want to be back here again I'm sure.”