Man speeding 171kph on Kildare motorway banned from driving

“DID he have a death wish for his birthday?” said a judge to a man he banned from driving for two years after he was clocked on the motorway at 171kph.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was addressing Brandon Hickey (21), of Cloncollig, Tullamore, Co Offaly who was in Naas District Court recently for sentencing, after being charged with dangerous driving at Kilmore townland, a little to the West of the AppleGreen Services on the M4, on 19 June, 2025.

“The weather was good, dry, good visibility. When we stopped him he said he was travelling from Mullingar, and when arrested, we brought him to Leixlip Garda Station,” said the arresting garda.

“Was he co-operative?” asked the judge.

“Oh, yes,” said the garda.

“Mr Powderley, you will be lucky to keep him out of jail,” said the judge to the defending solicitor.

“It was his birthday two days before, and he was travelling up to Dublin for a concert,” said the solicitor.

“At 171 (kph)? Did he have a death wish for his birthday?” asked the judge.

“He needs his car for work, and I have a letter from his employers,” said Mr Powderley, handing it in to the court.

“He has no previous (convictions)… and he lives at home,” he added.

“I keep saying this, speed kills. I’d rather see him lose his licence than his life,” said the judge, before banning Mr Hickey for two years, and fining him €500.

“If it wasn’t what Mr Powderley said for you, you’d be going to jail,” concluded the judge.