This article is from page 2 of the 2014-10-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
A 20-YEAR-OLD West Clare man who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on the road between Lissycasey and Ennis has been told he is lucky not to have received a prison sentence.
At Ennis District Court, Judge Patrick Durcan said David O’Gorman, in a “repeated and dangerous manner”, breached the road traff c laws on a busy stretch of road.
Mr O’Gorman, with an address at Knocknagoran, Kilkee, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Caherea, Lissycasey on November 12, 2013.
He further pleaded guilty to charges of possession of cocaine and cannabis at Clondroadmore, Ennis, on the sale date.
Inspector Tom Kennedy outlined details of Mr O’Gorman’s driving.
He told the court Mr O’Gorman’s car overtook a car on a bend and continuous white line near Lissycasey.
The car, which was being driven by an off-duty garda, was forced to pull into the grass verge to ensure the accused’s car did not collide with an oncoming vehicle.
Insp Kennedy said the garda followed Mr O’Gorman and observed other instances of him “dangerously overtaking”, without indicating, on continuous white lines.
The incident occurred in the evening time when traff c was heavy in both directions, the court heard.
Insp Kennedy said the garda contacted his colleagues in Ennis.
The court heard Mr O’Gorman was stopped as he entered Ennis. Insp Kennedy said during a search, gardaí discovered Mr O’Gorman was in possession of small quantities of cocaine and cannabis.
Mr O’Gorman has no previous convictions. Defence solicitor Fiona Hehir told the court her client was rushing from Kilkee to pick up his girlfriend in Ennis and bring her to Shannon.
“He was very worried his girlfriend would be mad at him”, Ms Hehir added.
Judge Patrick Durcan asked if the relationship is still ongoing. “The relationship f nished shortly after this”, Ms Hehir said.
The court heard Mr O’Gorman has moved to England where he works for a shuttering business.
Ms Hehir told the court her client’s parents were very mad at him. “This has been a wake up call for him”, she added.
Judge Durcan said Mr O’Gorman’s driving on the day was “appalling”.
He said anyone who knows the main road between Ennis and Kil- rush knows you have to drive with the “utmost care and caution”. He imposed a f ne of € 750 and dis qualif ed Mr O’Gorman from hold ing a driver’s license for two years. He said details of the conviction are to be endorsed on Mr O’Gorman’s license.
Judge Durcan said, “I get the impression he is an intelligent young man but he is now facing a reality”.
He ordered a report from the Probation Services with respect to the drugs offences. Ms Hehir pointed out her client is now living in England
Judge Durcan said it is up to Mr O’Gorman to make himself available for meetings with the Probation Services.
“Mr O’Gorman is very lucky he is not leaving this courthouse with a prison sentence”, the Judge added.
The case was adjourned to January 14, 2015 for a probation report.