Man was test driving car when he hit another vehicle, Carlow court heard
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A CARLOW man who was test driving a car he had repaired on a laneway near his home was fined and disqualified from driving after a collision left the driver of another vehicle with injuries.
Morgan Deane (26) Ballinvalley, Kildavin, Co Carlow appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Carlow District Court, where the court heard that on the evening of 13 August 2025, Mr Deane was involved in a road traffic collision at Ballinvalley. The driver of the other vehicle sustained injuries in the incident.
Mr Deane had no valid NCT, tax or insurance displayed at the time. His learner’s permit had expired in 2024 and when asked to produce valid documents within ten days, he did not do so.
Solicitor Chris Hogan told the court that his client did not currently hold a licence and had got a lift to court from his father. “He thought his licence was in place at the time,” Mr Hogan added.
In mitigation, Mr Hogan explained that Mr Deane lived approximately 500 metres from where the collision occurred. “The background is that he is earning money for himself fixing up and selling cars. He had bought this car, replaced the engine and brought it out for a test drive on his laneway. Unfortunately, the other person was travelling on the lane to visit a neighbour and that’s where the collision occurred.”
Mr Hogan added that his client had remained at the scene and co-operated fully with gardaí.
The court also heard that Mr Deane had struggled with drugs in the past but that the recent birth of his daughter had brought about a positive change in his life. Mr Hogan said his client had an apprenticeship due to begin on 8 June and was hoping to get back on the road. He asked the court not to impose a disqualification.
Mr Deane has eight previous convictions, four of which relate to road traffic offences. His most recent conviction was at Carlow District Court in March for possession of drugs, for which he received a €150 fine. His most recent road traffic conviction was for speeding in excess of the 100kph limit, for which he was fined €250 at Wexford District Court.
Judge Carthy was not persuaded by the mitigation offered. “There is no real mitigation in respect of driving on the day in question,” she said. She added that while she did not know whose fault the collision was, that was not relevant to the offence before her.
Judge Carthy convicted Mr Deane of driving without insurance and fined him €300, imposing a one-year disqualification. He was fined a further €200 for driving without a valid licence. All other matters were taken into consideration.
