Truck driver verbally abused motorist at Laois toll plaza

A truck driver appeared in court in relation to an argument with a van driver at the motorway Toll Plaza in Mountrath. 

Dermot Kenny (48) of Flagmount North, Clifden, Kilkenny admitted failing to remain at the scene, assault and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at the M7 Toll Plaza, Mountrath on February 22, 2024. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at around 5pm on the date in question. He said the defendant was driving a lorry towards the toll when a van veered into the lane in front. The defendant then got out of his lorry and began to remonstrate with the other driver. 

“He started calling the other person a knacker, getting aggressively into his face,” Sgt Kirby explained. 

He said the other driver called gardaí and the phone was knocked out of his hand.  He said the defendant had seven previous convictions but they were all old and his most recent was in 2011. 

Judge Susan Fay asked whether there was a victim impact statement in the case.  Sgt Kirby said there wasn’t. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher explained that there are no lines as vehicles come close to the toll and he described the approach as “a little bit unregulated”. 

He said his client admits raising his voice and said, “the other driver began to use his phone to film us. We became upset.” 

“In hindsight we should have dealt with the matter in a different fashion,” he said. 

Mr Meagher said there was no attempt by his client to strike the other driver. He said his client left the scene and thought that was the end of the matter. 

Judge Fay said “I want to know how this impacted on the victim.”  She adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on April 7 for a victim impact statement.