Donegal chef who crashed into another car was suffering a diabetic emergency

A man who crashed his Kia Sportage into another vehicle while experiencing a diabetic medical emergency has had the charge against him reduced, thus avoiding a driving ban.

Anthony Armstrong, 64, of Cranny, Inver was before Donegal District Court on Monday, November 25. He was initially charged with two counts of dangerous driving on March 26, 2022, the first at Corporation, Killybegs, and the second at Donegal Road, Killybegs.

Solicitor James Canny asked that both charges be reduced to careless driving, giving that it was a one-off situation where the defendant’s blood sugar levels had dropped significantly during the course of his commute. 

Having heard the facts, Judge Sandra Murphy said she was satisfied to accept a plea of guilty to the lesser charges.

Sergeant Oliver Devaney told the court that on the date in question, the defendant left his workplace in An Grianan Hotel in Burt and began his journey towards Killybegs. He checked his blood sugar level before he commenced his journey.

“It was at the lower end of the acceptable range,” said the sergeant. 

He said that it was a lengthy commute, adding: “It would appear that his blood sugar levels dropped before he reached his destination.”

Sergeant Devaney said that gardaí received a report from an independent witness that the car was going over the white line. 

“A little further on, his vehicle crossed the road and collided with a Toyota Corolla,” said the sergeant.

Gardaí and ambulance personnel attended the scene. An alcohol test returned a reading of zero.

Sergeant Devaney acknowledged that while the speed could not be verified, it was a slow-moving collision in the region of 30km/h.

He said that the material damage was not severe. 

Mr Canny told the court that his client had passed out. 

“The witnesses and victims were more concerned about his welfare,” said the solicitor.

“The insurance company has dealt with the minor damage.”

He stressed that it had been an isolated incident.

“ It hadn’t happened before and hasn’t happened since,” said Mr Canny. “It was a long commute on a hot day. 

“He is very aware that he has to check his blood sugar level. He checks more often now.”

Mr Canny added that his client had since secured employment closer to home. 

Judge Murphy said that the facts had been very fairly outlined by the sergeant, and were consistent with the medical report. 

“In all likelihood, the man had passed out following a long drive and hard work as a chef,” she said, agreeing to reduce the charge to one of careless driving, which, unlike dangerous driving, does not carry a mandatory driving disqualification. 

The judge also noted that Armstrong’s medical condition was now noted on his insurance policy, and that he had no previous convictions.

She imposed a conviction and fine of €350 for the incident at Corporation, declining to disqualify Armstrong from holding a driving licence. The second incident was taken into consideration.

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