RTÉ journalist spared conviction for speeding

RTÉ political correspondent David Davin-Power was spared a fine and a speeding conviction yesterday after he donated €150 to charity.

The journalist appeared at Dublin District Court to face a summons for driving in excess of a 50km/h speed limit at the Ballymun Rd, in Glasnevin, Dublin, on the afternoon of May 21 last.

He had to come to court because he had not sent a cheque on time to pay a fixed charge fine.

Santry Garda Bryan Murray told Judge Patrick Clyne that he had been operating a speed check when he stopped a ‘98-reg car, “it was driven by Mr David Davin-Power”.

He told Judge Clyne that Mr Davin-Power had “driven at 68km/h in a 50km/h zone”.

The journalist’s barrister asked the court to consider striking out the case adding that Mr Davin-Power would make a charitable donation.

“€150 notes to the court poor box,” the judge replied and counsel said it would be paid forthwith.

The 60-year-old broadcaster, who lives at Griffith Avenue in Dublin returned a few minutes later with a receipt showing that the money had been paid at the courthouse office.

Judge Clyne told him that the €150 would go to the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin for homeless people and said he was dismissing the case.

“Thank you judge,” the journalist replied.