Kildare driver in motorway crash retains license 

A MAN who left 60 metres of skidmarks on the motorway before rear-ending another vehicle was convicted of careless driving after gardaí agreed to drop the more serious charge of dangerous driving in exchange for his guilty plea.

Constantin Rusu (35) from Derrinturn, Carbury, Co Kildare was in Naas District Court recently (8 October) for sentencing.

Mr Rusu had originally been charged with the more serious offence, but after discussions between his barrister Mark Gibbons and the DPP behind the scenes, the state agreed to lower the charge in exchange for a guilty plea to finalise proceedings.

Inspector Siobhan McIintyre from Leixlip Garda Station outlined the events at the M4 outside of Maynooth on 7 April, 2025.

“Gardaí attended a collision between two vehicles on the M4 eastbound,” she began.

“I was a dry morning, the sun was extremely bright and low.

“Mr Rusu rear-ended another vehicle, and there was an extensive amount of damage.

“The driver of the second vehicle was taken to Connolly Hospital (in Blanchardstown), but there were no subsequent injuries."

The judge said: “I accept the (charge of) dangerous driving."

“There was no intent of dangerous driving,” argued Mr Gibbons.

“If you’re driving at 120kph on the motorway you’ve got to keep your eye out, be aware of the distances, and you can’t fall asleep,” retorted the judge.

“There were considerable breaking marks left on road surface, between 50-60m,” revealed Inspector McIntyre.

“It shows he attempted to break,” she added generously.

“You have to adjust your speed for the conditions,” advised the judge.

“Otherwise, that’s not stupid, it’s dangerous,” he added.

“Judge, my client has five children, is self-employed, and has always worked,” said Mr Gibbons in mitigation.

Accepting the lower plea, the judge said: “You’ve got the gardaí to thank for that, not me.” 

The judge fined Mr Rusu €2,000, but allowed him to keep his licence.