Donegal Judge says reality of road traffic convictions needs to hit home

A District Court Judge has said she believes that many young drivers do not understand the full implications of road traffic convictions.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham was speaking at Letterkenny District Court in the case of a young man convicted of careless driving during the weekend of the Donegal International Rally.

Karl O'Brien was before the court charged in relation to an incident on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

At 7.08pm, Gardai observed O'Brien exiting the car park of a licenced premises at Doon Glebe, Newmills, Letterkenny. 

O'Brien, aged 19 from Robertstown, County Kildare, was driving a Toyota Altezza and “began to slide the rear of the car” as he entered the public road, Sergeant Jim Collins told the court.

O'Brien, who has no previous convictions, was stopped and was apologetic to gardai.

Ms Donna Crampsie, solicitor for O'Brien, said her client was in Donegal “for the weekend activities”.

Ms Crampsie told the court that her client, an apprentice motor mechanic, came out of the premises after a meal and “proceeded to spin the wheels”.

“The consequences are significant,” Judge Cunningham said, “and I don't think adequate thought is given to that.”

Judge Cunningham convicted O'Brien of careless driving and fined him €200, allowing five months to pay.

O'Brien was allowed to keep his driving licence.

Judeg Cunningham warned: “He now has a road traffic conviction and if he is back before the court again, the consequences would be significantly more serious.

“The reality is that all of this needs to be taken into account by those partaking in that activity. I am not satisfied that people understand the implications.”