Aughrim motorist fined and disqualified for careless driving

A MAN charged with careless driving received a fine and a six-month driving ban at last Wednesday’s sitting of Arklow District Court.

Larry Gibney (43), 3 Chapel Lane View, Aughrim, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving on November 23, 2018, at Crone Beg, Aughrim. He also pleaded guilty to having no road tax on October 30, 2018, at Ballymanus Lower, Glenealy. A charge of no insurance was struck out as his insurance was in order.

The court heard that on November 23, 2018 at 11.10 a.m., Gibney’s car crossed the white line and clipped a vehicle. His car spun then collided with a second vehicle.

Solicitor David Tarrant asked why there was only one injured party in the case. The prosecution said the driver of the first vehicle did not make a statement. The court was also told that Gibney had several spent convictions.

Mr Tarrant said the last of these convictions had been 11 years ago. Gibney was now in a relationship, had two children and was working. The road had been wet at the time of the incident.

Judge David Kennedy said Gibney did not have a ‘great record even though it was going back’. ‘The words leopards and spots come to mind,’ Judge Kennedy added. There had been a serious impact on the other car and if the roads are wet, there is a need to drive to the road conditions.

Judge Kennedy imposed a fine of €300 with four months to pay and a six-month disqualification in relation to the charge of careless driving and a fine of €150 with four months to pay for having no tax.