You’re no role model to our schoolchildren
What judge told McGregor as he gets driving ban
CONOR McGregor was banned from driving for six months yesterday and told his speeding did not make him a ‘role model for teenagers’.
The mixed martial arts fighter, who already has 12 traffic offences dating back over ten years, was caught driving at 154kph in a 100kph zone.
And after Mr McGregor was greeted by young fans outside Naas Circuit Court, the judge questioned why the high-profile defendant did not face a more serious charge, adding that eight out of ten drivers in the district caught speeding over 150kph are charged with careless or dangerous driving.
The UFC star was caught travelling at 154kph in his blue Range Rover when stopped by gardaí at 10.57pm on the N7 near Kill, Co. Kildare on October 11, 2017.
Mr McGregor, 30, arrived at Naas District Court yesterday just before 2pm in a black BMW with blacked-out windows and walked briskly into the courthouse as an umbrella was held over his head.
The Irish fighter smiled and chatted with gathered fans and schoolboys wearing uniforms, even posing for selfies with his supporters, before his court appearance for speeding.
Mr McGregor, dressed in a smart suit and tie, and crisp white shirt, took to the stand to apologise. He said: ‘I apologise. I didn’t realise I was going that fast.’
Mr McGregor also said someone had been delegated to pay the fine but he was not sure why that had not happened. ‘It should have been paid,’ he said.
The MMA fighter pleaded guilty to speeding. Three driving licence charges were withdrawn after it was established he did have a licence.
Judge Desmond Zaidan said he was taken aback after he was told Mr McGregor has 12 traffic offences dating back over ten years to when he was in his late teens, but had taken into account what appeared to be his ‘sincere remorse and genuine apology’.
These convictions included speeding, driving while holding a mobile phone, driving in a bus lane, and breaking a red light.
Mr McGregor stood facing the judge with his hands behind his back as Judge Zaidan said: ‘The higher the speed the greater the risk involved.
‘The speed here is in the higher end. Speed kills and that is what makes speeding dangerous.
‘When speeding goes wrong the consequences are catastrophic and life-changing, there is no question about that.
‘Sadly we have lost more lives on our roads because of excessive speeding, dangerous speeds and other bad behaviour.
‘More people have lost their lives on our roads, bad driving on our roads, speeding, than as a result of violence, homicide, murder, manslaughter.’
The judge, speaking during the hearing in front of dozens of young fans, said that Mr McGregor’s driving was ‘not exactly a role model for teenagers’ but he appeared to be remorseful.
Mr McGregor’s solicitor Graham Kenny said his client regularly travels and meant ‘no disrespect’ to the court in relation to the fixed
Already has 12 traffic offences ‘The fine should have been paid’
fine not being paid.
He said: ‘He meant no disrespect, it was a mistake and he takes it very seriously. The fine should have been paid.’
Mr Kenny acknowledged the negative publicity the charge would generate saying the ‘negative publicity – and quite rightly – surrounding this is punishment in itself ’.
Garda Sergeant Michael Keevan told the court it was a dry night and driving conditions were good when he stopped Mr McGregor. He had advised him to drive a lot slower.
Sgt Keevan told the court Mr McGregor was polite and apologised.
Judge Zaidan banned Mr McGregor from driving for six months and fined him €1,000, with six months to pay.
Mr McGregor left the packed courtroom and was mobbed by waiting fans as he exited the courthouse.
A crowd of schoolboys and fans jostled to get a glimpse of the fighter and take a photograph with him.
The MMA star was ushered through the young fans to a waiting car only saying to media he had ‘got to drive safer’ before been driven away.
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