A MAN has appeared in court after an off duty Garda observed him drive dangerously in the middle of a town.
On December 27, 2019, Garda Cassidy, saw a car, a Toyota Avensis, coming across the bridge at The Mall, Ramelton, from the Milford direction.
The car was being driven by Michael Mallon (21) of Tawney, Kilmacrennan.
Sergeant Gerard Dalton said Garda Cassidy observed the car perform a handbrake turn at the end of the bridge and attempted to take off with the wheels spinning.
“He was completely out of control,” Sgt Dalton told the court.
Garda checks showed that Mallon’s mother was the owner of the vehicle. Mallon made admissions to driving at the time. He told Gardaí that he lost control and panicked. Mallon said he did not perform a handbrake turn at the time.
Solicitor for Mallon, Mr Frank Dorrian, said his client was ‘as contrite as one can be’.
“It reads worse than it is,” Mr Dorrian said. “The loss of his licence would have a devastating affect. It was a momentary thing and he is taking this as seriously as one possibly can.”
Judge Alan Mitchell directed that Mallon undertake the Pro Social driving course and contribute €200 for the course.
“You have learned a lesson, but I want to reinforce that lesson,” Judge Mitchell said, indicating that he would reduce the charge to one of careless driving.
“Young people think that this kind of thing is cool – but people have responsibilities.”