Speeding motorcyclist fined and disqualified from driving for four months
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A 61-YEAR-OLD man has been fined €700 and disqualified from driving for four months after he was caught travelling at 154kph in an 80kph zone. Philip Henry appeared before Carlow District Court charged with dangerous driving arising from an incident on 21 June.
The court heard that Garda Byrne was conducting a speed checkpoint in Baltinglass on the morning in question when he clocked a Honda CBR motorcycle travelling at 154kph. He pursued the motorcycle and pulled the rider over.
Garda Byrne told the court that the scene was a long stretch on a national road, heading south towards Baltinglass. He said he was parked at a crossroads and could see that the motorcycle clearly accelerated on a road he described as “busy enough”.
Mr Henry, with an address of Meadow Grove, Oldcourt Grove, Bray, Co Wicklow, produced his full licence when stopped, acknowledged his speed when shown the recording on the speed gun and apologised. He was brought to Baltinglass Garda Station and charged with dangerous driving.
Defending solicitor Joe Farrell said in mitigation that it was sunny with dry road conditions and Mr Henry’s bike never crossed the line on the road. He added that it has been known for other speeding motorcyclists on that stretch of road to “take off” when spotted by gardaí but that Mr Henry came to a complete stop immediately and spoke with the garda in question.
“That’s not always the case,” he added, saying that “speed is the sole factor in respect of dangerous driving”.
Judge Geraldine Carthy noted that the speed was “excessive on the day in question”. However, she said she was satisfied to convict Mr Henry of section 52 careless driving, reduced from the charge of dangerous driving.
He was fined €700 with 120 days to pay and disqualified from driving for four months.
