"I haven't been this nervous since I got married..." - M7 driver accused of crime

A man who faced losing his licence admitted he hadn’t been as nervous since his wedding day. 

Anthony Nestor (57) of Cragmore, Askeaton, Limerick appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of dangerous driving in the Southbound lane of  the M7 at Abbeyleix on October 29, 2023. 

He was brought to court following a complaint from a man in Cork. 

Garda Tommy Griffin said the man alleged the defendant had engaged in erratic driving and was speeding up, slowing down and crossing lanes. 

Garda Griffin said the man had “apologised profusely” to the complainant and admitted his guilt. The man asked that the court consider reducing the case to careless driving. 

In relation to an explanation, Garda Griffin said he told gardaí “his head was all over the place” at the time. He said he had one previous conviction for speeding dating back to 2007. 

Kenneth Kerins BL said his client was apologetic and fully accepts the facts. He said the man works in health and safety. 

“A little bit of irony there,” noted Judge Andrew Cody. 

Mr Kerins said his client was “horrified to be before the court” and would be anxious to make a donation to charity. 

“I don’t think I have been this nervous since the day I got married to tell the truth,” the man said. 

“I am not going to impose a life sentence,” Judge Cody assured the man. 

Mr Kerins asked about a donation so that someone could benefit from his client’s salutary lesson.  

Judge Cody noted that somebody had “made off” with a defibrillator which was in use at a garda station in Laois. He said it had been paid for from the court's poor box. 

Garda Griffin recalled the incident and said the defibrillator was valued at €1,350. 

Judge Cody said that subject to the donation of €1,350 to replace the defibrillator from the garda station, he would reduce the matter to careless driving and impose a €500 fine. The donation was made a short time later and the case was finalised.