MOTORIST AVOIDS JAIL FOR ACCIDENT

A 30-year-old motorist, previously convicted in his absence of charges arising out of a hitand-run accident, has received a suspended sentence after he was brought before Dundalk court.

Ian McCormack, 64 Lios Dubh, Armagh Road, was arrested on foot of a bench warrant issued by the court on the last day.

On that occasion, Judge McKiernan heard of an incident which occurred at Main Street, Blackrock on 2 November, 2017.

A lady motorist was driving down the street when she stopped to let a car out of its parking spot. She was rear-ended by a silver saloon which then reversed and drove by her.

It cost more than €2,000 to repair the damage to her Peugeot 206.

McCormack was summonsed for failing to stop at the scene of an accident, remain at the scene, report an accident and give the appropriate information, as well as for driving without a licence and having no insurance.

He was convicted of all charges.

Last week, the court was told of 18 previous convictions.

Barrister Michael Miley said his client instructed him that he was not informed of the hearing date. Some other matters had been struck out on a previous occasion, and he thought that was the end of it.

The defendant had a strong addiction but has been seeking help and giving clear urines. He is in receipt of disability allowance and is awaiting surgery. He has young children.

Mr. Miley asked the court not to over-penalise McCormack.

‘ The reality is a lady with a damaged vehicle,’ Judge McKiernan remarked. ‘Has your client any proposals?’

Counsel replied the defendant is on €173 disability perweek.

‘ This happened two years ago. What are the options open to the court?’ the judge continued.

Mr. Miley sought leniency. He said McCormack had come by arrangement for the execution of the warrant.

He asked the court to consider suspending any sentence. There are no road traffic matters in any of the previous convictions.

Judge McKiernan imposed a four-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, on the first hit-and-run charge. The other charges were taken into consideration.