Man drove without reasonable consideration while towing horsebox in Laois

A farmer admitted driving without reasonable consideration while towing a horsebox in Laois. 

David Lalor (72) of Ballygogue, Ballacolla was in court accused of driving without reasonable consideration and not having tax at Baunbrack, Laois on July 8, 2024. 

Garda Dylan Hogan told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the defendant came through a T Junction “encroaching on our side of the road” in a 02 registered blue Range Rover at 11.17am on July 8. He said a fine was issued for the tax and it was paid. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty to driving without reasonable consideration.

She said her client was being “overly cautious” and had taken the corner in that manner as there was a horse and young foal in the horsebox.

“I think he didn’t properly observe you garda and he took the corner wide,” she said. 

“He was just overly cautious on the corner with the young foal,” said Ms  Fitzpatrick.

She said the defendant is a farmer and he was conscious of the fact that the horse and foal could fall over in the horse box if he took the corner too sharply. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client had no previous convictions although he does have some penalty points which would mean he would be  disqualified by an accumulation of points if he was convicted. 

She asked if the court would allow a postponement in order for some of the defendant’s penalty points to drop off as he needs his licence for work. She said he had been fully cooperative with gardaí. 

Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on May 1 for finalisation. He said the defendant would be convicted and fined €300 on that date and he excused the defendant from attending.