Athy biker was 100kph over the limit

A man caught speeding almost 100kph over the speed limit was told “when you go for renewal, your name will be in lights”. Thomas Whelan (20) from Ardrew Heights, Athy had pleaded guilty previously after he was clocked at 159kph in a 60kph on the R418 at Barkersford, Athy on 19 July on a motorcycle.

Because of the speed involved, the director of public prosecutions considered that Mr Whelan should face a charge of dangerous driving (section 53) rather than just a summons for breaking the speed limit.

His barrister Donnacha Craddock told the court how his client had tried to join the Army but had failed the medical and now worked as a shift worker in the hospitality industry “Why is it 60kph?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.

“It’s just past the Clanard Court Hotel,” explained the investigating garda.

“He tells me he made a dreadful mistake,” said Mr Craddock.

“I’m going to state the obvious – driving a motorbike is more risky,” noted the judge. “Do you realise the danger? You’re fortunate you’re before me with all your limbs intact.

“It’s because of people like you that insurance companies paint young male drivers with the same brush,” the judge continued. “There are some responsible young drivers, but you keep the costs high.

“I’m going to give you some choice: you either lose the licence or lose your life,” he warned.

After hearing the defendant had no previous convictions, the judge acceded to the solicitor’s request to consider the possibility of dropping the charge to the less serious one of careless driving at the next court date. Judge Zaidan said: “I will put you on a restorative justice course. You will see images on the course that are really depressing, but I want you to keep your appointments.” He remanded Mr Whelan on continuing bail until 14 October for an updated report from the Probation Service.

“When you go for renewal, your name will be up in lights,” the judge predicted as a parting dart.