Model defence saves driver from disqualification

A speeding beauty queen clocked driving at 187km/h on a motorway yesterday escaped a driving ban after a judge praised her honesty.

At Ennis District Court, Gemma Reilly — crowned Miss Limerick in 2010 — was fined €500 after pleading guilty to speeding on the Ennis to Gort motorway on March 3.

Ms Reilly of Riverpoint Apartments, Lower Mallow Street, Limerick City, entered the plea after gardaí clocked her driving her mother’s 12 registered Mercedes 220 at 187km/h in a 120km/h zone at Srangalloon, Crusheen, Co Clare.

Ms Reilly told the court: “I agree with the garda’s evidence that I was speeding.”

Judge Patrick Durcan asked Ms Reilly — who didn’t have any legal representation — to give sworn evidence “and tell me why you were driving at 187km per hour”.

Ms Reilly — who was beaten by model Rosanna Purcell to the Miss Universe Ireland title in 2010 — said that her orthodontist is based in Galway “and I was extremely late for an appointment. I was driving my mother’s car and didn’t realise how fast I was going”.

Judge Durcan asked Ms Reilly: “Why shouldn’t I disqualify you from holding a driver’s licence with the speed you travelling at?” In response, Ms Reilly said: “I’m usually very diligent. I drive a 1.4 Golf myself. I have never been speeding before.”

Ms Reilly told Judge Durcan that she will never speed again.

He told Ms Reilly: “I am not disqualifying you from holding a driver’s licence because you have been absolutely honest in how you have dealt with the matter and I want to commend you on that.”

He added: “If I had detected any element of dishonesty in your evidence I would have disqualified you, but I must say I found your honesty refreshing. Thank you very much.”