This article is from page 8 of the 2006-07-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
GARDAÍ who travelled at 90mph in pursuit of a driver on a stretch of road between Lahinch and Ennistymon failed to make any ground on him, a court has heard.
Patrick Moroney (21), of Aughiska, Lisdoonvarna, was before Lisdoonvarna District Court, accused of dangerous driving, on December 18, 2004.
Garda Pat Nagle said he saw a car taking off at Main Street, Lahinch, in the early hours of the morning.
The tyres on the car were spinning and it travelled in the direction of Ennistymon, pursued by the Garda car.
“It travelled at enormous speeds. We were travelling at speeds of up to 90mph but we couldn’t make any ground,” said Gda Nagle.
He said the accused drove in the middle of the road for most of the journey and a car had to pull in to avoid a collision, at one stage.
Gardaí lost the car as it approached Ennistymon and eventually stopped it on the Ennis road.
Defending solicitor Michael Petty said his client admitted he was speeding, but was not driving dangerously. Mr Moroney told the court he was speeding, but denied that a car had to move in to avoid a collision.
Judge Joseph Mangan said he would convict the accused of driving without due care and attention.
However, Supt Eamon Dolan pointed out that a charge of dangerous driving could not be reduced to driving without due care and attention, unless the latter charge was before the court. Judge Mangan then dismissed the charge.