Man denies dangerous driving after Stradbally parade crash
The crash between a car and a miniature steam engine at the 2024 St Patrick's Day parade in Stradbally Video screenshot
A MAN has denied two dangerous driving charges following a crash during the St Patrick’s Day parade in Stradbally last March.
The 59-year-old pleaded not guilty to a series of offences in relation to the collision, which involved a car and a miniature steam engine pulling a small trailer. Videos of the crash were shared widely on social media following the incident. A Carlow woman was injured in the collision.
At Portlaoise District Court last Thursday, car driver Raymond Barrett of Luggacurren, Co Laois denied two counts of dangerous driving on Main Street, Stradbally on 17 March.
Mr Barrett, who will turn 60 later this month, is also charged with threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in connection with the same incident, as well as not having a driving licence and road tax.
Solicitor Seamus Taaffe entered a ‘not guilty’ plea on the driver’s behalf, adding: “He is pleading not guilty at present, but that might change.” Adjourning all charges, Judge Andrew Cody set a hearing date of 2 January 2025 at Portlaoise District Court.
