Octogenarian ran stop sign and crashed into car in Laois

An octogenarian who drove through a crossroads and crashed into another car has escaped conviction. 

Denis Farrell (89) of 32 Fr O’Connor Crescent, Mountrath, was accused of careless driving at Redcastle, Mountrath on December 11 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man drove his 171 registered blue Skoda “through a stop sign” at crossroads before colliding with another car. He said two people suffered minor injuries in the collision.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald described the incident as “an error of judgement” on his client’s part. “When he drove out, unfortunately the collision occurred,” he said. Insurance had covered the damage, he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Mr Fitzgerald said his client had been fully cooperative, had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and he said the man had no prior convictions. 

“His wife is unable to walk and he brings her to medical appointments,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

Judge Cody noted the man had no convictions over a life spanning nine decades. He also noted that compensation had been paid and he asked Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby how he would like to proceed. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby asked Judge Cody to withdraw the summons for careless driving. 

Withdrawing the case, Judge Cody said, “best of luck to you Mr Farrell. You need to be more careful at the crossroads.”