Garda drove at 144 km/h in pursuit of driver in Kildare

A garda drove at up to 144 km/h after a driver, who made an appearance at Naas District Court.

James Hickey, 26, whose address was given as Ballinakill, Edenderry, was prosecuted for dangerous driving at Derrycrib, Donadea, on March 25, 2025.

Sgt Ruth Coleman said the defendant was detected driving at 115 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.

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She said the incident took place at around 7pm and the garda reached a speed of 144 km/h as he pursued the defendant with lights and the siren activated on the marked garda car.

Sgt Coleman said at times the vehicle was "barely in sight” and the driving took place on country roads and at a junction.

She said the defendant eventually stopped the vehicle.

Defending barrister Donncha Craddock said the defendant regrets the incident and his car had no defects. He said road conditions were good at the time and traffic volumes were light.

He also said the defendant had a history of employment but this incident means he will lose his job.

He also said the defendant had had abdominal pain and had lost weight. He said he had an appointment arranged in relation to this and he was rushing to confirm this.

Judge Desmond Zaidan imposed a two year driving disqualification and fined him €750.