Kildare woman convicted following 'road rage' incident
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A WOMAN in her 70s was convicted of dangerous driving after she knocked a cyclist off his bike with her car after he startled her.
Ann Kelly (71) from Barrington Court in Prosperous appeared in Naas District Court last week (8 October) for sentencing had pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier appearance.
Judge Desmond Zaidan asked Sergeant Ruth Coleman to remind him briefly of the facts.
She explained that the incident occurred at Digby Bridge, on the canal west of Sallins just after noon on 19 January 2025.
“A cyclist was approaching the bridge, and a Renault was approaching very aggressively,” said the sergeant.
“The cyclist then banged on the driver’s window with his hand, and the defendant had no patience,” explained the sergeant.
“A 71-year-old with road rage!” smiled the judge.
“My client was startled by the bang on the window,” offered defending barrister Donncha Craddock.
Sgt Coleman revealed that Ms Kelly had no previous convictions.
“Ms Kelly lost the business and the family home in the crash in 2008,” said Mr Craddock.
Because of the seriousness of the charge, Mr Craddock made no plea in mitigation to have her charge reduced to careless driving.
Because this was a first offence at 71, the judge declined to suspend her licence, although he did fine her €650, giving her six months to pay.
“Behave yourself,” was the judge’s final remark.
