Driver detected at ‘horrendous speed’ in Laois

A man who was caught driving at 178kmh in Laois was told €4,000 would secure a lesser charge. 

GiogioTsalughelashvili, 23, of  74 Ardalee Road, Artane, Dublin 3 was detected at 178kph in a 120kmh zone at M7 Meelick, Portlaoise on January 7 this year. 

The man, who has no previous convictions and works in the motortrade, is facing a dangerous driving charge in relation to the offence which could see him disqualified from driving.

His solicitor agreed that it is “an outrageous speed” but said his client has never been in trouble and doesn’t have any penalty points. He said the man was driving a high powered BMW car from the garage where he is employed. 

He said the man had brought €1,000 to court and the lesser charge of careless driving would still attract five penalty points. 

Judge Andrew Cody said he would reduce the charge if a payment was made to the court poor box. 

“On payment of €4,000 to the court poor box I will reduce it,” he said.

“He needs to feel the pain here. It is a horrendous speed,” Judge Cody added. 

He adjourned the case back to February 23 and said if the money is paid he will reduce the charge to one of careless driving. 

If this is done, Judge Cody said he would convict the man and fine him €500 but there would be no disqualification from driving.