Laois motorist fined €500 on careless driving charge
Image for illustration purposes
A WOMAN had to be cut from her car after it was crashed into head-on by a vehicle exiting from a service station in Mountmellick.
Arising from the incident Jonathan Allen (33) from The Commons, Mountmellick pleaded guilty at Portlaoise District Court to careless driving at Chapel Street, Mountmellick on 23 January.
The court heard that at 8.05pm that night gardaí received a report of a road traffic collision. When they arrived at the scene, they saw a car flipped on its side and a woman being cut from it. The woman sustained minor injuries and a cut to her finger.
CCTV coverage of the area showed Mr Allen exit the service station and drive into the path of the on-coming car, causing it to flip on its side.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said: “In fairness he couldn’t see the on-coming vehicle. He had never come to garda attention before, or since.” Defending barrister Anne Doyle said her 33-year-old client is a social care worker.
She said: “He is hugely involved with The Rock GAA Club. He is immensely sorry for what happened and takes full responsibility for his actions.” Ms Doyle said that Mr Allen had €300 with him and would donate to the Monasterevin Boys Scouts in lieu of a conviction.
“Not with a car overturned on its side and a person injured,” said Judge Andrew Cody. “I have to impose a sentence. He can do what he wants with his €300.” The judge went on to convict Mr Allen of careless driving and fined him €500.
Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.
