A judge heard yesterday how a health and safety instructor posed a serious hazard to drivers on the N2 Dublin/Derry road, forcing one driver to take evasive action before pulling on to the hard shoulder to alert gardaí.
Gerry Ryan, of Clady Meadows, Robinstown, Co Meath, appeared on a charge of dangerous driving at Castleblayney District Court, Co Monaghan.
Brian McGee told Judge Flann Brennan he was driving north along the N2 when he saw Mr Ryan overtaking vehicles at speed as traffic approached. He was forced to brake suddenly to allow Mr Ryan into his lane.
He said two oncoming cars also had to swerve on to the hard shoulder on the Carrickmacross bypass on November 29th last as a result of Mr Ryan's driving.
Garda Pat Merrick told of intercepting Mr Ryan near Castleblayney at a checkpoint. Mr Ryan denied in court he had caused a hazard for any driver, and thought he had overtaken safely.
He said he was on his way to a health and safety training session at a Co Monaghan hotel and was not in a hurry.
He admitted overtaking two trucks and two cars on the bypass, but claimed there was a straight stretch of road and a broken white line.
Defence lawyer Michelle Flanagan said it would be a serious matter for Mr Ryan if convicted of dangerous driving as he was involved in health and safety training all over Ireland, and would be likely to lose his job.
Judge Brennan agreed to reduce the charge from dangerous driving to careless driving and fined Mr Ryan €200. He also ordered him to pay €150 expenses.