Driver reversed at speed for almost 1km away from gardaí after 'a rush of blood to the head'

Shane O'Donovan, from West Cork, said he did so because his motor tax was out of date

Clonakilty District Court heard the accused's car reversed at high speed away from a Garda car on patrol on a minor road.

A man who reversed at speed for almost 1km away from gardaí, before then speeding off after his vehicle glanced against the patrol car, did so after "a rush of blood to the head" because his motor tax was out of date.

Shane O'Donovan, aged 20, of Knockskeagh, Lyre, pleaded guilty to causing €100 worth of criminal damage to the patrol car and also faced a charge of dangerous driving, although his solicitor said his client would plead guilty to careless driving.