Man convicted of dangerous driving following crash in Laois
The two car collision occured in January 2023
A man who crashed into a car in Mountmellick was convicted of dangerous driving.
Farm labourer Dean Fitzpatick (26) of The Grove, Esker Ballyfin, Rosenallis, crashed his Audi A4 into a VW Golf car that was pulling out of a lane on O’Moore Street, Mountmellick on January 16, 2023.
CCTV footage of the incident was shown at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
Garda Stephen Lynott attended the scene of the collision. He said the drivers of both cars were tested for alcohol and returned negative readings. He explained that the incident happened around 6pm on the date in question. The road has a 50km speed limit, he said.
Solicitor Philip Meagher said a parked car had blocked the view of the driver who was pulling out of the lane.
“I think the CCTV speaks for itself… We appreciate that our speed is clearly on the high side,” he said.
Mr Meagher said despite the lane being used by a business, there was no sign or even a yellow box to warn motorists of traffic emerging.
Judge Andrew Cody noted the defendant hadn’t braked until it was too late. He estimated the car’s speed to be around 80 or 90kph and noted it was “far faster than any other vehicle that passed on the CCTV. “
The court was told the defendant had no previous convictions and had a clean driving licence with no penalty points.
Mr Meagher said he was a farm labourer who “basically works every hour god gives him” and he said a disqualification would cause him great difficulty.
“He has been driving for over six years and he has never had an accident,” he said.
Judge Cody said the accident was the result of speeding. He fined the defendant €1,000 and disqualified him from driving for two years. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.