Haulier in court after road rage incident in Laois

A haulier ended up in court accused of careless driving in connection with a ‘road rage’ incident in Portlaoise.

Pat Farrelly (56) of Mandistown, Drumcomrath, Navan, Co Meath appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of dangerous driving at Togher, Portlaoise on June 28, 2025.

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the prosecution was willing to accept the defendant’s plea of guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving.

Garda Conor Dooley said a lorry driven by the accused had driven out in front of a female motorist at Togher on the date in question causing her to break sharply.

He said the defendant exited his lorry “approached her and was shouting obscenities” and allegedly took pictures of her car.

“Road rage in other words. Is that accepted?” Judge Andrew Cody asked defence counsel Andrew Dunne BL.

Mr Dunne said it was. He said his client had no previous convictions and has an established family run business. Mr Dunne said the man had an impeccable record. “The loss of his licence will have a devastating effect on him,” he said. Mr Dunne said his client’s actions had been “entirely out of character”.

Judge Cody wanted to know if the man wished to make a meaningful apology to the woman.

Mr Dunne said the man had a sum of €500 in court and he was willing to give it to the injured party.

Judge Cody said the man had pulled out in front of the woman and then given her “dog’s abuse”.

Judge Cody said he would finalise the case in September if the man does a pro social driving course and has €1,000 in compensation for the injured party. He adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on September 10.