State 'made a mess' of evidence
Judge Desmond Zaidan
A TEENAGER charged with dangerous driving after being caught going 45 over the speed limit managed to hold onto his new licence when the judge agreed to drop the charge to careless driving saying: “he’s very lucky the State made a mess of this – although not before fining him €500.
Caolan King, from Ard na Laoi, Castledermot only turned 18 in June, and was up before Judge Desmond Zaidan in Athy District Court this week (28 October) for the offence which only happened three weeks before the court date on Rockfield Road in Athy.
“Sergeant Gamble saw Mr King drive erratically, and he failed to stop for him for three kilometres,” said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan.
“So there was a chase?” asked Judge Ziadan.
“Yes … but I don’t know if it was a marked car,” said the sergeant.
“He was clocked at 125kph in an 80kph zone, but when he was stopped he was very contrite.
“He has no previous convictions,” he added.
“His parents are here and they are taking it very seriously,” said defending solicitor Brian Larkin.
“He’s an apprentice mechanic, and he was actually going to work that morning,” he added.
“I think what happened was it’s a good stretch of road, but when he was aware the gardaí were behind hm he stopped,” explained Mr Larkin.
“Does Caolan realise he’s giving all 18-year-olds a bad name, tarred with the same brush, and paying five grand premiums?” asked the judge.
“He wasn’t good on this occasion … you know you can pass your test and still be a bad driver?
“You know 90 per cent of people caught speeding have a full licence?” noted the judge.
“His mam was in with me very soon after, theirs is a very good family, and they’ve never been in trouble before,” said Mr Larkin.
“Can he talk to me? Hiding behind his mother, hiding behind his solicitor,” asked the judge.
“If you have a blowout at 125 you won’t have a chance … but I will reduce it to careless.
“The state’s evidence was very thin on the ground, and the sergeant had to guess whether it was a marked car or not.
“The state must bring the facts, so he is very lucky the state made a mess of this," said the judge, dropping the charge and fining him €500 instead of taking his licence.
“If he was convicted of Section 53 (dangerous driving) he would find it impossible to get a quote.
“Even if he behaved himself they (the insurers) will use any excuse to increase his premium,” concluded the judge.
