Carlow man (20) drove the wrong way around a roundabout
No caption needed
A MAN who drove at 110kph through Carlow town and travelled the wrong way around a roundabout has had his case adjourned to allow for the preparation of a probation report.
Kiernan O’Reilly (20) of Kernanstown, Bennekerry, Carlow appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Carlow District Court, where he pleaded guilty to driving without a licence contrary to section 38 of the , two counts of dangerous driving contrary to section 53, and failing to stop when directed to by gardaí.
Prosecuting Sgt McPartlin told the court that at 1.45am on 14 July, gardaí on mobile patrol observed a vehicle leaving Fairgreen Shopping Centre. Gardaí signalled for the vehicle to stop, but instead it accelerated away in the direction of Shamrock Plaza.
The court heard that the vehicle was recorded travelling at 110kph in a 50kph zone in Carlow town.
Sgt McPartlin said the driver travelled towards Hacketstown Road before turning onto the Eastern Relief Road. The vehicle then turned onto Dublin Road, where it was observed driving contra-flow through the Dublin Road roundabout before continuing along Dublin Road.
When gardaí eventually stopped the vehicle, Mr O’Reilly made admissions regarding his driving. The court heard that he acknowledged driving in an erratic manner and admitted that he did not hold a valid driving licence or learner permit and that the vehicle was uninsured.
Mr O’Reilly has no previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Joe Farrell, referring to his client’s previously clean record, said Mr O’Reilly had “gone in at the deep end” and asked the court to direct him to engage with the probation service before sentencing. “He certainly has something to offer to society,” Mr Farrell said, adding that his client was at an age where he “perhaps needs a steer” in the right direction.
“If he engages with the probation service, he will certainly benefit,” the solicitor added.
Judge Carthy asked Mr O’Reilly to give an undertaking that he would not drive between then and his next court appearance. She warned him that if he was found driving before returning to court, he would be taken into custody.
The court heard that Mr O’Reilly is currently unemployed.
“You should be working. You are a fine, strapping lad and there are plenty of jobs,” Judge Carthy told him.
Judge Carthy adjourned the matter until 10 February 2027 for the preparation of a probation report.
