Driver who sped away from gardaí had cannabis for sale

A DRIVER who sped away from gardaí when they spotted him while on patrol and who also pleaded guilty to having cannabis for sale had his case adjourned last week because he had a serious medical condition. Shane Keogh, Kyleshall, Raheendoran pleaded guilty to three counts of careless driving on the Tullow Road, Carlow, at Chapelstown and in the Cois Dara estate on 30 September last year. He also pleaded guilty to separate charges of possessing cannabis and to selling it when the gardaí searched his house in Kyleshall a week later, on 6 October.

Sergeant Hud Kelly gave details about the incident that incurred the careless driving charges, telling Judge Geraldine Carthy that the gardaí saw Mr Keogh (27) sitting in his car while they were on patrol in the Tullow Road area of Carlow town and that he left the scene at speed when he saw them. He said that Mr Keogh drove into a housing estate and, at one stage, drove towards the squad car. Sgt Kelly continued that the gardaí followed him for a period of time but that they had to abandon the pursuit because it was too dangerous to the public.

Judge Carthy also heard that the gardaí searched Mr Keogh’s house a few days later and found €1,800 worth of cannabis and a cannabis product, when the defendant admitting selling the drug. Sgt Kelly also told the court that Mr Keogh had previously been disqualified for drug-driving while Judge Carthy noted that he was disqualified at the time of the car chase.

Solicitor Joe Farrell asked the judge to adjourn sentencing for preparation of a probation report. He explained that Mr Keogh was no longer driving because he had a very serious medical condition that may require surgery, adding that his client was “very much at risk”. The case was adjourned until 23 July next.