A truck-driver who overtook six cars on a continuous white line and forced other cars to take evasive action posed a “terrifying prospect’, a Judge has said.
Letterkenny court.
Driver Anthony Donaghey appeared before Letterkenny District Court yesterday charged with dangerous driving on March 21st, 2013.
Donaghey, 32, of Carrowmore, Gleneely was observed by Gardai traveling down the Lurgybrack hill outside Letetrkenny on the evening in question.
It was raining heavily but Donaghey was reaching speeds of up to 110kph and overtook six cars on a continuous white line.
Cars coming in the opposite direction were also forced to pull into the left hand lane, the court was told.
Garda Sgt Jim Collins said in his statement that they followed the driver and eventually apprehended him on the dual carriageway.
Donaghey had no previous convictions and was only driving the articulated lorry as a favour for a friend.
Solicitor Frank Dorrian said Donaghey was very apologetic for what had happened.
However, he said his client had got out of his lorry a short time before the incident and had caught his hand in the door of the truck.
“He was in great pain and there can be a good or bad reason for anything.
“A disqualification would have a devastating affect on his livelihood,” said Mr Dorrian.
Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case until June 5th saying he wanted to speak to Donaghey and will consider sending him on a pro social driver’s course.
“It is quite a terrifying prospect for anyone else coming up that hill – we need some explanation for that,” he said.