Dangerous driving charge for speeding to save relationship

A 21-year-old south Kerry man who sped from his bed in the early hours of the Feast of the Epiphany, after it suddenly came to light his girlfriend might be with another man, has ended up before the court on a charge of dangerous driving.

And the relationship with the girlfriend had no Mills and Boon storybook ending, Cahersiveen District Court was told.

Conor Daly of Spunkane, Waterville was at home in bed in the early hours of January 6th, 2013 when he was alerted to the fact his girlfriend was leaving a disco with another man, Cahersiveen District Court was told

At 3am and at high speed at Gurranebane, Cahersiveen he overtook the car of the other young man, and slammed on the brakes , Inspector John Brennan outlined.

Paul O’Donoghue, his solicitor, said: “He was in bed at home as he had work the next morning and he got a phonecall saying ‘Daly’s girlfriend is leaving the disco with another man!’” the solicitor said.

“He decided needed to confront them. She was in the car with the other gentleman. He went ahead so he could stop the car and speak with the lady. He was quite upset,” the solicitor continued.

There was no collision, no accident, Mr O’Donoghue added.

At this point, Judge James O’Connor asked where was the evidence of dangerous driving – the charge was “way out of proportion” he told the State.

However before finalising the matter the judge asked the young man’s solicitor: “No one wants half a story! What happened with the girl?” the judge enquired.

Judge O’Connor was told that it was no storybook ending.

“It was not like a Mills and Boon novel. He got out of the car. There were words – robust and frank,” Mr O’Donoghue said.

Unfortunately, the relationship ended there and then, on the spot, Mr O’Donoghue added.

His client was now working in the UK and hoping to go to New Zealand, the solicitor added.

The State agreed to withdraw the charge of dangerous driving, reducing it with the lesser charge of driving without reasonable consideration, and the matter has been adjourned for mention to November 12th by which time Mr Daly is to make a €1,000 contribution to the court poor box, at which point he may avoid any conviction.