Sparks were flying when racing car hit speed ramp, Carlow court told
Carlow courthouse Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A 19-YEAR-OLD man has been disqualified from driving for six months after his car sent sparks flying when it hit a speed ramp during what appeared to be a race with another vehicle. Jonathan Nolan of 121 Willow Park, Tullow Road, Carlow appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Carlow District Court, where he was charged with dangerous driving.
The court heard that on 22 May 2025 a garda on duty observed a Volkswagen Jetta that appeared to be “tailgating or racing” another car on the Portlaoise road into Carlow. Inspector Conor Nolan gave evidence to the court that the garda pursued the car into Graiguecullen, where it was stopped at Church Street.
Reading from the garda report, Insp Nolan said the defendant’s car passed the other car and went over a ramp at speed causing sparks to fly.
The defendant, who had no previous convictions, was present in court with his father in attendance.
Defending solicitor Joe Farrell said in mitigation that his client, who has a big interest in cars and works in a garage, was contrite at the scene and apologised to the garda.
“He has no previous convictions and a disqualification will cause him huge difficulty,” added Mr Farrell, who said that Mr Nolan had taken advanced driving lessons and “seems to be a competent driver”. He went on to say that the speed wasn’t “hugely excessive” and that people weren’t put at risk, adding that although there were other parties involved, his client was the only one up before court.
Judge Carthy said that although he had pleaded guilty and was apologetic at the scene, “to be racing with another car at high speed in a built-up area in Graiguecullen is simply unacceptable and very immature”.
She weighed up section 52 (careless driving) versus section 53 (dangerous driving) and noted that the former carried a discretionary disqualification from driving, while for the latter it was mandatory, with a minimum disqualification of two years.
Judge Carthy said that while his job hinges on his licence, “he should have thought of that before the matter”, adding that “when the car hit the ramp, sparks flew – I’ve no doubt that he was driving at high speed”.
Mr Nolan was convicted of careless driving – reduced from dangerous driving – and fined €800 with 90 days to pay, and was disqualified from driving for six months.
