Judge criticises lack of dangerous driving charge

A judge has criticised the State for not charging a man driving at 172km/h with dangerous driving.

At Naas District Court on Thursday, William O’Gorman, 28 Glenview, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, appeared for not paying a fixed penalty charge after being caught driving at 172km/h in a 120km/h zone, at the M7 Osberstown, Naas, on September 4, 2015.

Mr O’Gorman, aged 28, who earns €800 per week in a security position in Munster, told the court he did not receive the fixed penalty notice.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said he was amazed that the man was not charged with dangerous driving and was only dealt with by a fixed penalty notice.

Judge Zaidan said: “He is very fortunate that the guard did not charge him with dangerous driving. It is just so disproportionate that this man got a fixed penalty notice the same as people caught driving 59kmh in a 50kmh zone.”

Inspector Mel Smith told how the accused had previous convictions for having bald tyres and one for assault. Defence solicitor, Seamus Boyle, told the court that O’Gorman is employed full time. The court heard that he has two children and his wife is expecting their third child soon.

O’Gorman was convicted and fined €600. He was disqualified from driving for one year.