Co Wicklow man weeps as he gets sentenced to 10 months in prison
A young Co Wicklow man wept openly in Naas District Court as he was handed down a 10 months sentence for dangerous driving while being banned from driving for 12 years.
The 22-year-old man with an address in Hollywood, Co Wicklow, was charged with two counts of dangerous driving, at Tinode, Blessington, and another charge of dangerous driving at Monaspick, on the N81, on September 19, 2017.
He was also charged on two separate charges of driving without due care and attention under Section 51(1) of the Road Traffic Act, on the N81, Hempstown, and the N81, Heylands.
He was also charged with driving a defective vehicle, at Tinode, Blessington, on September 19, 2017.
Naas District Court heard how a motorcyclist died after crashing into another car, on the same date. The accused was not charged in relation to the death of the motorcyclist.
BL Maurice Coffey outlined to the court how the accused and the deceased had known each other and before the tragic accident, met in a car-park by accident.
It is understood that the motorcyclist had got a new exhaust in his motorbike.
Sgt Brian Jacob told the court how a camera that the deceased motorcyclist was wearing revealed that while the accused had not been involved in the fatal accident, a number of 'dangerous manoeuvres' had taken place by the accused, prior to the accident.
Sgt Jacob said: "He is not charged with causing the death of the motorcyclist."
The court heard how the accused was driving a van belonged to his father at the time and had modified the exhaust.
Mr Coffey said: "There was a degree of recklessness shown. On most occasions, except once my client overtook him, the motorcyclist would overtake and then pull in and wait for my client.
My client did overtake other cars dangerously at times. It was an accidental meeting at the carpark, there was an element of showmanship."
The motorcyclist collided with a car and sustained fatal injuries.
The court heard how the accused is emotionally effected by the fatal accident.
His older brother outlined in evidence how the accused 'does not sleep at all and is on medication.'
The court heard how the accused has no previous convictions.
During the court the accused wept.
Judge Desmond Zaidan passed a sentence of 10 months, five months on each dangerous driving charge, and imposing a 12 years driving ban for the two dangerous driving charges, with six years on each, and said: "He is very fortunate that he himself was not involved in an accident, to be maimed for life. I find it difficult to see him crying."
The two charges of driving without due care and attention were taken into consideration.
Mr Coffey said: "For one mistake that he has made in his life, jail should be the last resort."
Judge Zaidan said: "I have to take on board his misbehaviour on the road. I think he seems to be genuine but I have to act on the evidence before me."
An of €1,000 has been lodged. He is on bail pending hearing at the Circuit Court.