BMW driver admits doing 190kph on the motorway in Laois

A BMW driver has appealed a disqualification for travelling at 190 kph in Laois. 

Ukpe Akpo Oghenefego Mideno Bayagbon (29) of 23 Brandon Square, Waterville, Dublin 15 admitted driving at the speed on the M7 at Great Heath, Portlaoise on June 15, 2024. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a garda speed check detected a red 181D registered BMW travelling at 190 kph in the 120 zone on the date in question.

He said the car was “slowed down by traffic in the fast lane” and the defendant was cooperative with gardaí and had no previous convictions. 

Andrew Dunne BL said his client lives in Blanchardstown and works in Leixlip. He said the man had been driving home from Cork on the date in question having recently learned that his mother had fallen ill in the  UK. 

Mr Dunne said his client was upset and preoccupied as a result. He said his client thanked the gardaí for stopping him. 

“He is aware of the harm that he could have caused others and himself,” said Mr Dunnne. He said the man would lose his job and his home if he was disqualified from driving. He brought reference letters to the court and said his client had never even been in a garda station before the event. 

“He is asking the court to show some mercy,” said Mr Dunne. 

“He has brought considerable shame to himself and his family,” he added. 

Judge Andrew Cody didn’t accept the claim that the man had been preoccupied. 

“I cannot accept for a moment that someone can drift to 190,” said Judge Cody. 

“This man could have killed all before him travelling in his swanky BMW on that day,” he said. 

He fined the man €1,000 and disqualified him from driving for two years and fixed recognisance in case of appeal.  

The man appealed the sentence before the sitting of Portlaoise District Court had concluded.