‘Foul-mouthed canon’ can appeal six-month driving ban

Speeding cleric, Canon Bob Hanna, 68, is to remain on the road in spite of receiving a six-month driving ban only 13 days ago.

This follows Canon Hanna yesterday appearing at Ennis District Court, where he successfully obtained terms to appeal his ban to the circuit court from the same judge who banned him.

Earlier this month, at the district court, Judge Patrick Durcan banned Canon Hanna from driving after describing his conduct when stopped by gardaí as ‘despicable’ at Bunratty West on April 17 last.

Judge Durcan told Garda Lisa McDonagh he “did not give a fuck. I’m late”, after being informed he was travelling at 135km/h in a 100km/h zone.

Canon Hanna told Garda McDonagh he was on his way to a communion.

Garda McDonagh said that Canon Hanna snapped his driver’s licence from her, got into his car and started repeatedly revving his engine.

At this point, Garda McDonagh said that Canon Hanna said: “I’m leaving, chase me if you want.”

Judge Durcan told the court on December 6: “Now I know that this man is a Minister of Religion, I am even more appalled.”

The judge imposed a €500 fine on Canon Hanna and by way of ancillary order banned him from driving for six months.

Canon Hanna was not present for the court date and was not legally represented.

However, Canon Hanna was in court yesterday and did have a solicitor representing him.

In response to an application from Canon Hanna’s solicitor, Judge Durcan extended time to lodge the appeal to December 31 and fixed recognisance at €250.

Canon Hanna’s appeal will be heard at Ennis Circuit Court early in 2015.

In the aftermath of the case earlier this month, Canon Hanna apologised for his foul-mouthed outburst to Garda McDonagh.

In a statement, the Archbishop’s Commissary of the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, Archdeacon Wayne Carney said: “I am aware of the court case which resulted in a speeding conviction against Canon Bob Hanna relating to an incident last April.

He said: “I have spoken to Canon Hanna, and he deeply regrets using abusive language to the garda who stopped him, and wishes to apologise to her for his behaviour. “

He added: “He is also sorry to have missed being present when his case came before the court. As a diocese, we encourage full respect for the Garda Síochána and the laws they enforce and support them in the important role they carry out.”

Last month, Canon Hanna issued a statement that his court testimonial for daily Mass-going paedophile, Patrick Barry, 80, of Well Rd, Kilkee, “was not a defence of” the convicted man.

Prior to sentencing but after Mr Barry’s conviction of 59 counts of sexual assault against 11 girls, Canon Hanna,described the former school principal as a “spiritual man”.