This article is from page 23 of the 2014-12-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
A WEST Clare teenager has proved himself to be an “honourable man” by admitting a driving offence and paying compensation, a court has heard. All charges against Drew Clancy (19) were struck out at Ennis District Court last week after he paid full compensation for the damage his driving caused.
Mr Clancy crashed his car into the side of a van as Mr Clancy exited a car park and drove onto the road at Dough, Spanish Point on February 13.
At a sitting of Ennis District Court earlier this year, Mr Clancy, with an address at Fintra More, Miltown Malbay, pleaded guilty to driving without due care or attention. He also admitted charges of driving without insurance and failing to report the occurrence.
In October, Garda Margaret Leahy of Ennistymon Garda Station told the court she responded to a report of a hit and run accident at Spanish Point on the date in question.
Garda Leahy said a van driver told her the car that struck his vehicle drove away from the scene. No injuries were suffered as a result of the accident, the court heard.
Garda Leahy said Mr Clancy later made a cautioned statement to gardaí in which he admitted hitting the car.
The court € 1500 worth of damage was caused to the van.
Judge Patrick Durcan asked Garda Leahy why the accused left the scene.
“He panicked. He had no insurance and he was aware he had no insurance”, Garda Leahy said.
Judge Durcan adjourned the case to allow time for payment of compensation. On Friday, defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said full compensation of € 1460 had been paid.
Mr Clancy, a farm labourer, told Judge Durcan he saved the money from work.
Judge Durcan told Mr Clancy he had proved himself to be an “honourable man” by facing up to the charges and paying compensation. “I’m striking out all charges against you which means you’re record is clean”, Judge Durcan added.