Man dangerously overtook off-duty Garda Inspector

A MAN who dangerously overtook an off-duty Garda Inspector before overtaking another car in front on a bend appeared before Judge Haughton at the District Court last week.

William/Billy Murphy (22) of 3 Na Coillte, Bunclody, had been charged with two counts of dangerous driving at Rathnure on October 31, 2016, however, these were reduced to careless driving on a guilty plea.

Inspector Syl Hipwell from New Ross Garda Station gave evidence that on the day in question, he had been travelling from New Ross in his private vehicle when he noticed a car very close to him in his rear-view mirror.

He said that, on a continuous white line, the car shot out past him and pulled in between his car and a car in front. He said he flashed his lights and beeped the horn at the defendant, before he subsequently overtook the car in front on another continuous white line approaching a bend in the road. Murphy was later contacted by gardaí and made admissions.

Solcitor Catriona Walsh told the court her client had no previous convictions and said that there was an issue with his child at home, which subsequently turned out to be much ado about nothing. She said that her client was actively searching for employment and that the loss of his licence would have disastrous consequences.

Having heard all the evidence, Judge Haughton pointed out that there was a contradiction in the legislation regarding driving bans in these situations, one which he had pointed out on several occasions.

He did say, however, that the defendant was entitled to the most generous application of the legislation and said he would not enforce a ban. He then handed Murphy a fine of €300 on each charge.