Motorist caught speeding in Graiguecullen gets four years driving ban
Stock image
A MOTORIST who was observed driving at high speed in Graiguecullen has been disqualified from driving for four years.
Adam Smith, Coill Dhiarmada, Ard a Laoi, Castledermot, Kildare, was not present in Carlow District Court on 26 November, when charged with no insurance and driving without consideration for others under section 51(a) of the Road Traffic Act.
Inspector Conor Nolan told the court that on 25 February at 10.50pm, Garda Phelan observed a car driving at high speed on Maryborough Street in Graiguecullen. The 21-year-old driver was pulled over on Kennedy Avenue and it was noted that no valid insurance was displayed. A lawful demand was made of Mr Smith to provide proof of insurance, but it was not subsequently produced. A fixed charge notice was issued.
The court heard that Mr Smith, who was not present, has 11 previous convictions, six of which are road traffic offences. There was a previous conviction for no insurance for which he was fined €300 and disqualified from driving for one year. There was also a conviction for driving without a valid driving licence from October of this year.
Defence solicitor John O’Sullivan entered a guilty plea on behalf of his client.
He said: “My client apologises. He’s a young man getting his life back together, he has served time.” While noting that he had pleaded guilty to both charges, Judge Geraldine Carthy said his previous offences were “quite stark”.
For no insurance, Judge Carthy convicted and fined Mr Smith €300 to be paid within 90 days and disqualified him from driving for four years. For the section 51(a) offence she convicted and fined him €500.
She added that there would be no fixed recognisance “unless he is here in front of me”.
