Turkish man disqualified for two years

A TURKISH man who drove at 132kph in an 80kph zone was disqualified from driving for two years and fined €700 at a recent sitting of Carlow District Court.

Inspector Conor Nolan said the static speed camera on the N80 detected the vehicle of Onur Orhan (42) The Paddocks, Corbally, Newbridge, County Kildare travelling at 132kph on 28 March at 9.30pm. Insp Nolan said the weather was dry and the traffic was relatively light.

Mr Orhan was arrested and charged with dangerous driving under section 53 of the Road Traffic Act, to which he pleaded guilty. He has no previous convictions.

Solicitor John O’Sullivan said his client apologised for speeding and that he didn't realise he was going at that speed. He asked the judge not to impose a disqualification as Mr Orhan has established his own business here - a vehicle maintenance business with a number of employees - and relies on his car for work. He noted that Mr Orhan was a driving instructor in Turkey.

“I have no discretion,” noted judge Gerladine Carthy. Mr O’Sullivan said he had tried to negotiate the charge down and asked the judge to fix recognisance so that his client could appeal the charge.

Judge Carthy did so, fining him €700 and disqualifying Mr Orhan for the mandatory two years.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme