Farmer was driving Toyota Hilux at 173kph in Laois
The man appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A farmer who drove a Toyota Hilux at 173kph in Laois didn’t realise how fast he was going as his speedometer was in MPH, a court was told.
Jeffrey Nugent (25) of Tullyharnett, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of dangerous driving on the M7 at Great Heath, Portlaoise on February 1, 2026.
Garda Stephen O’Hanlan gave evidence of detecting the Hilux travelling at 173kph in the 120 zone at 3.25pm on the Bank Holiday Sunday, February 1. He said the conditions were dry and the driver passed both drug and alcohol roadside tests. Garda O’Hanlon said the defendant had four previous convictions which included for blackmail/extortion, parking in a disabled bay and driving without L-plates.
Anne Doyle BL said her client was pleading guilty. She said the man was a farmer who worked on his family farm and a carer for his father who recently underwent a kidney transplant.
She said her client had been driving a rented vehicle and the speedometer was in miles per hour which resulted in him being unclear as to his speed.
“He wasn’t aware of exactly how far over the limit he was,” said Ms Doyle.
She said the man was extremely anxious not to lose his licence.
Judge Andrew Cody said “I have no choice, good, bad or indifferent” as the man had admitted to dangerous driving which carries a mandatory disqualification. “There is nothing I can do about it,” said Judge Cody.
Judge Cody disqualified the man from driving for two years and fined him €750 with six months to pay. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal and the man appealed the conviction before the court sitting had ended.