This article is from page 13 of the 2008-11-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A LITHUANIAN man who was spotted “fool acting’ down Seafield beach in his jeep has been convicted of dangerous driving and banned from driving for two years.
Tomas Salaka (27), of Aughantee- roe, Ennis, pleaded guilty to danger- ous driving, arising out of an incident at Seafield beach, Quilty.
Inspector Michael Gallagher told Milltown Malbay District Court that the defendant was driving his jeep – with two passengers – along the beach at Seafield, when he was spot-
ted by an onlooker.
He said he drove along the grass first and then onto the beach.
He said it would appear the accused took a phone call while driving and then did a handbrake turn, causing the jeep to flip over. He said the ac- tions of the accused could have led to tragic consequences.
“He was fool acting down the beach,” he said.
Defending solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client was working in Cree at the time. On the date in question, he went to Seafield beach, which was completely clear.
“There was no-one else on the beach. He got a_ phone call to go back to work, hence the talking on the phone. He then tried to get back up on the grass, but missed his turn and the jeep flipped over,” he said.
He said the girl who received inju- ries in the accident was recovering AB
Mr Hassett said that while a plea to dangerous driving was being en- tered, “I’d say it’s very much on the lower scale in this type of case.”
He said his client had no previous convictions either in Ireland or in his native Lithuania.