Speed was the greatest killer on Irish roads, a judge said yesterday when he disqualified 10 motorists from driving for periods of between 28 days and four months for exceeding speed limits.
Judge John Brophy said in Dunshaughlin Court, Co Meath, that Garda statistics showed speed had been a factor in 129 of 300 deaths on Irish roads this year. Drink-driving had contributed to 58 deaths in the same period.
He imposed fines of £150 each on the 10 drivers, ordered that their driving licences be endorsed and disqualified them from driving. Those fined and disqualified were:
Tom Fitzgerald, Tracy Meadows, Newbridge, 63m.p.h. in a 30m.p.h. zone; disqualified for four months. Aidan Rory Keogh, Spruce Lodge, Kilternan, Co Dublin, 86m.p.h. in a 60m.p.h. zone; disqualified for three months. Thomas D. Pakenham, Tullynally, Castlepollard, 75m.p.h. in a 60m.p.h. zone; disqualified for two months. Fergus Higgins, Ashford, Co Wicklow, 74m.p.h. in a 60m.p.h. zone; disqualified for two months. Oliver Maher, The Crescent, Sutton, Co Dublin, 75m.p.h. in a 60m.p.h. zone; disqualified for two months.
Matt Bruton, Dunboyne, Co Meath, 75m.p.h. in a 60m.p.h. zone; disqualified for six weeks. Nigel Hackett, Sheepmore Avenue, Blanchardstown, 75m.p.h. in a 60m.p.h. zone; disqualified for six weeks. Denis Neville (19), Delvin, Co Westmeath, 79m.p.h. in a 60m.p.h. zone; disqualified for six weeks. Maurice Doyle, Burnaby Lawn, Greystones, Co Wicklow, 51m.p.h. in a 30m.p.h. zone; disqualified for 28 days. Martin Gilsenan, Woodview Grove, Blanchardstown, 51m.p.h. in a 30m.p.h. zone; disqualified for 28 days.
Commenting on the case of the 19-year-old, who was described as a self-employed digger driver, Judge Brophy said that most road deaths were in the 18 to 25 age group. "Speeding is not acceptable. The Garda statistics show speed was a factor in 129 of 300 road deaths this year. Think of it, 129 people dead," he said.
Another defendant, who told the court that he needed his licence for work, was told to take holidays, as he was going off the road.