A MAN has been fined in court after the State accepted a pleas on a reduced charge of dangerous driving.
Samuel Kilgore (24) of Coney Road, Derry, was before Letterkenny District Court on a charge of careless driving.
The charge related to a road traffic accident at Sappagh, Muff, on October 20, 2018.
Two vehicles were traveling on the road. A grey Volkswagen Golf was performing a right turn when a BMW 3 Series, which was going to overtake, crashed into it.
Both cars were extensively damaged and written
Kilgore, the driver of the BMW, was unaccompanied and there were five people in the Golf. None of the occupants were seriously injured.
Kilgore told Gardaí that the indicator was not on in the other vehicle as it made its manoeuvre.
The occupants of both vehicles were returning from a nightclub at 3.30am
From the damage to both vehicles, Gardaí said it appeared that there was speed involved.
Both drivers were breathalysed and no alcohol was involved .
Barrister for Kilgore, Mr Peter Nolan BL, said his client was was a truck driver and the licence was ‘fundamental to his occupation’.
“If he were to lose his licence, it would have grave consequences.
Kilgore has no previous convictions and this was, said Mr Nolan, ‘a momentary lapse’.
Judge Paul Kelly said that he was satisfied that a section 52 charge for dangerous driving would adequately deal with the matter. The State was happy to take the plea to the dangerous driving charge.
Judge Kelly fined Kilgore €250 and did not impose a disqualification.