Driver avoids disqualification after successful Pro Social Driving Course

A 21-year-old man caught doing handbrake turns on the grass at Bundoran sea front car park has avoided disqualification after completing the Pro Social Driving Course. 

The course is designed to significantly reduce the risk of reoffending by increasing participants’ sense of personal responsibility, and awareness of the consequences of their driving behaviour.

Ivan Murray of The Glebe, Garballagh, Duleek, County Meath was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, December 6. He initially faced a charge of dangerous driving at Carpark Seafront, Bundoroan on August 6, 2023. 

At a  previous court sitting, it was heard that at around 10.15pm, a garda observed Murray doing handbrake turns and reverse turns on the grass at the car park. 

“There were a number of other vehicles in the area,” the garda inspector told the court. 

“The vehicle would reverse and spin around in the grass, then move forward and spin around. This continued for five minutes.”

The defendant was approached by gardaí, arrested, and taken to Ballyshannon Garda Station. 

“There was no indication that anyone was put at risk. 

“He was cooperative. He stopped the vehicle when he saw the patrol car.”

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions. 

Solicitor Jim Corbett asked the court to consider a plea to the lesser charge of careless driving, which, unlike the charge of dangerous driving, does not carry a mandatory disqualification.

“He is a young man who attended a rally in Bundoran on the day in question,” Mr Corbett told the previous court sitting.

“He was down there on a large stretch of grass. Nobody else present. He knows what he did was reckless on the day. Nobody was at risk.”

A number of references were handed in to the court.

Judge Sandra Murphy adjourned the matter to December 6 to allow the defendant to undertake the Pro Social Driving Course.

At Friday’s court sitting, Judge Murphy said: “He did very well on the Pro Social Driving Course, which I am delighted to hear. I am happy to go with the plea on the lesser charge. He was very cooperative.”

Inspector Anthony Coyle told the court that the defendant had not come to garda attention since the incident.

The judge agreed to the request not to disqualify Murray. She imposed a conviction for careless driving, and a fine of €250. 

Judge Murphy told the defendant: “I am very happy with what they say about you. It is very positive. 

“I believe it was a once-off and I hope I never see you again before the court.”

Follow Donegallive.ie for coverage of news, sport and events across Donegal