Newtown motorist avoids driving ban after careless driving plea

A Newtowncunningham man has avoided a driving ban after being brought before the court on a dangerous driving charge.

Father-of-two Christopher McDaid pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving at Letterkenny District Court.

The 32-year-old, of Heath Hill, Newtowncunningham, had been charged over an incident on January 4, 2024.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that Gardai were on patrol at 8.52am when they observed a black Audi. The vehicle turned and drove off at speed before overtaking a number of vehicles.

Sergeant Collins acknowledged that there “wasn’t much traffic on the road” and there was no oncoming traffic. McDaid was said to have been cooperative and apologetic when stopped.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham accepted the plea to a careless driving charge and Sergeant Collins informed the court that the accused had no previous of a similar nature.

McDaid was represented by Mr Kieran O’Gorman, solicitor, who said his client is a 32-year-old father-of-two. 

Judge Cunningham fined McDaid €250, allowing six months to pay and said on this occasion she would not disqualify him.