Injuries save biker from jail
A MOUNTMELLICK man with numerous convictions for breaking traffic laws escaped a prison sentence for his latest offences, because he still has serious injuries from crashing his motorbike.
Keith Malone, of Barnashrone, Mountmellick, was charged with having no tax, no licence, non display of disc, and dangerous driving, at Derrylusk, Mountrath, on May 25 of this year.
Inspector John Nolan told Portlaoise District Court that the defendant was seen by Superintendent Martin Cashen “doing wheelies” on a blue motorcycle. Garda pursued the defendant, who was discovered lying on the road having crashed. Malone also faced a charge of dangerous driving on the Portlaoise Rd, Mountrath, on May 22.
Defending, Mr Philip Meagher indicated his client, who appeared in court on crutches, and said that “he has already suffered a severe penalty from his reckless driving”. Mr Meagher handed in a GP’s report and said that “matters have gotten even bleaker” since the report was produced, as a lot of the work done to repair his injuries would have to be undone as the fractures hadn’t knitted.
“He has intensive surgery ahead, but all of that rests on his own shoulders,” said Mr Meagher. On the day in question, Mr Meagher said his client had been test-driving the bike, but that he should have been testing it on a track instead of the road.
“He’s effectively been left scarred, not just physically but emotionally,” Mr Meagher concluded.
Malone was given two six-month sentences, suspended for 12 months, and disqualified from driving for 10 years, with Judge Haughton saying that he was only suspending the sentences on account of Malone’s injuries.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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