Laois man who crashed car into stone wall has until January to pay €2,200 compensation
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN who crashed a car into a stone wall, causing €2,200 worth of damage, was given until mid-January to come up with the compensation.
That was the order made at Portlaoise District Court last week by Judge Andrew Cody when Craig Dollard (33), Bridge Street, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to criminal damage, driving while uninsured and to driving without a licence on 28 February at Coral Hill, Coolrain.
Garda Sgt Kirby said that during interview, Mr Dollard said that at 2pm that day while he was driving around Coolrain, a fox ran out in front of him and he lost control of the car that he was driving, crashed into the wall, causing €2,200 worth of damage to it.
He said the defendant has 15 previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Michael Byrne said the damage that was caused was not intentional and that Mr Dollard accepts the serious damage he caused.
At the time, he said that his client was dealing with alcohol related issues but has now taken steps to deal with those and no longer drinks.
Mr Byrne said that Mr Dollard is currently unemployed but was anxious to pay for the damage he caused and was willing to give €60 a week from his social welfare, which could take him up to four months to repay the full amount.
Asked by Judge Cody what he knew about Mr Dollard, Sgt Kirby said: “I’ve known him since he was a chap. He has grown up a small bit.” “He’s seeking employment,” said Mr Byrne, to which Judge Cody said: “Why is he not working now? They’re crying out for workers in the construction industry.” Sgt. Kirby said: “The injured party said that he would have no issue with Mr Dollard paying it back, but he doesn’t want the compensation in dribs or drabs.” Judge Cody remanded Mr Dollard on continuing bail to 14 January and for the defendant to have the full amount of compensation by date.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
