Speeding cases struck out as speed van operators unable to attend court

A large number of speeding cases have been struck out at a Donegal court after two speed van operators were unable to come to court because of illness.

Cases being prosecuted by Gardai, relying on the Go Safe speed vans, were due to be heard at Letterkenny District Court.

However, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham was left with no choice but to dismiss the cases as two of the three operators due to give evidence could not attend the court.

Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton said he had evidence to say the drivers were driving in excess of the speed limit in each case but did not have details of the exact speed.

Judge Cunningham said she could not go ahead with the cases if people had turned up in person as the cases were down for hearing.

Anyone who did not attend court to answer their speeding charge had their cases put back to a date in May for hearing.

This was after the court was told that the two ill Go Safe speed van operators would be off work for ‘four to five months’ due to their illness.

The nature of the illness was not disclosed in court.

A number of cases did go ahead as evidence was given by the remaining Go Safe van operator and various fines were issued by Judge Cunningham.