Man convicted of careless driving at Kildare court
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN from Offaly caught by a garda from Westmeath for careless driving in Kildare was fined €350 recently, but at least managed to keep his licence.
Robert Corcoran (36) from Mount Lucas, Daingean, Co Offaly was appearing in Naas District Court to plead not guilty to the charge of careless driving after he overtook an unmarked garda car on hatched markings in Carbury on 18 March, 2024.
He was also originally charged with no insurance or licence, but these were instantly struck out when Sergeant Dave Hanrahan told the court he was satisfied they were both in order.
Garda Chris Lynch from Delvin Garda Station in Co Westmeath told the court how he had been in Kildare making official enquiries about a stolen car, and was on his way home along the R402 on the day in question.
“I observed a vehicle behind me, a Volkswagen Tiguan, and it was tailgating very close,” said Garda Lynch.
“We came to a roundabout and the vehicle behind me performed a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre on the hatched markings, so I activated the lights to indicate I was a squad car,” said the garda.
“Did he give any excuse?” asked the sergeant.
“He was very polite and apologised,” said Garda Lynch generously.
Defending solicitor Dave Powderly cross-examined.
“Traffic noticeably condenses approaching a roundabout, and that’s why he was so close,” he said.
“If his car was so close you wouldn’t have been able to see his headlight,” Mr Powderly put to the garda.
“Not so. He was in an SUV, his lights were very high,” replied Garda Lynch. “The lights drew my attention, is what I said. If I had to stop suddenly he would’ve rear-ended me."
“Judge, my client contends the garda had indicated to turn left, prompting the overtaking manoeuvre,” said Mr Powderly.
“He should’ve been driving on hatched markings,” replied the garda simply.
Mr Powderly then made the point that there is different legislation for hatched markings than for the careless driving, but the garda replied: “It’s the same - €80 and three points”.
Mr Corcoran took the stand, and Mr Powderly asked him had he tailgated.
“I didn’t think so,” he replied. “He had his indicator, to turn left for Broadford."
“Did you go into the hatched markings?” asked Mr Powderly.
“I had my own lane – maybe a foot,” Mr Corcoran conceded.
“This is an experienced garda, a member of the roads policing unit, I think the evidence is quite clear,” said Sgt Hanrahan in his summation for the state.
“The garda used a sledgehammer to crack a nut,” replied Mr Powderly. “He could’ve gone under regulations rather than legislation, and my client would’ve paid that."
“The state have proved their version beyond all reasonable doubt, and I am convicting,” said the judge, fining Mr Corcoran €350, and giving him three months to pay.
