Disqualified driver went into ‘flight mode’ on seeing gardai in Portlaoise

A disqualified driver who panicked and sped through a built up areas where children were playing has been given a suspended sentence. 

Terry Fee, 33, with an address at 4 New Road, Portlaoise admitted dangerous driving and not having insurance on the Ridge Road and not having a licence at Kilminchy in Portlaoise on May 28 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant, who was disqualified from driving, drove “at high speed “failing to stop at  roundabouts and junctions” and had almost toppled his vehicle at one point. 

He said there were a number of young children in the area at the time. The defendant has 67 previous convictions, he said.  

“It was a dangerous incident with kids playing in a built up area,” Sgt Kirby added. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client had received a phone call about his mother’s neighbour who he was very concerned about. He said this woman had been unwell. 

“He was driving a small van which was owned and insured in his wife’s name,” Mr Meagher explained. 

“He was nine years into a disqualification with just a year to serve,” said Mr Meagher. 

“He was respecting his disqualification up to that point,” he said.

Mr Meagher said the man was driving towards his mother’s when he spotted an unmarked garda car. 

“He panicked and went into flight mode effectively,” he explained. 

“He totally accepts how reckless and dangerous that was,” said Mr Meagher. 

Judge Andrew Cody said the man was “endangering children and everybody” with his actions. 

He noted the defendant had no previous for road traffic incidents since 2014. 

He fined the man a total of €1,250  and gave him a three month prison sentence which he suspended for three years. He also disqualified him from driving for five years. The defendant was given 12 months to pay the fines.