SIX CHARGES REDUCED TO ONE

A 42-year-old man accused of six counts of dangerous driving has had five of them struck out, before the remaining charge was reduced to one of careless driving.

Mark Smyth, 32 Tyrella Road, Ballykinlar, Downpatrick, was then fined €100.

The defendant, co-owner of a rehabilitation centre, was charged with dangerous driving at Park Street, Dundalk; Dublin Road, Hoey’s Lane, Coe’s Road, Red Cow and Ballymascanlon roundabout on 8 July, 2017.

Barrister Irene Sands said this incident culminated in Northern Ireland where there was also a prosecution.

Judge Coughlan said he will reduce dangerous driving at Park Street to careless driving.

‘I won’t disqualify him. He’s been prosecuted twice for really the same thing,’ the judge remarked.