A MAN who did a ‘burnout’ before speeding away in a pursuit from which Gardaí had to withdraw has been fined in court.
Seamus Kelly (31) of No 6 Cashel Park, Lisnennan, Letterkennny was before Letterkenny District Court in connection with the incident on October 27, 2019.
Gardaí observed Kelly exit the service station at Killyclug, Letterkenny, Kelly came to a sudden stop, reversed onto the road before doing a ‘burnout’ and making off at high speed in the direction of Kilmacrennan.
A number of youths had been standing outside the premises, close to the vehicle.
Gardaí activated the blue lights, but Kelly failed to stop, driving in excess of 120km/h in an 80km/h zone.
Kelly, the court was told, continued to drive in the middle of the road and drove through a crossroads, failing to stop. As it was a Bank Holiday Sunday, the road was busy.
Gardaí stopped the pursuit as they believed the situation to be too dangerous.
On November 4, Kelly, who has previous road traffic convictions, admitted to the incident and apologised to Gardaí.
Solicitor for Kelly, Mr Frank Dorrian, said his client was a parent of four children who has been of good behavious since.
“He wasn’t insured and he panicked,” Mr Dorrian said. “He eventually thought better of that, he was compliant and he mdd the appropriate admissions. He is habitually unemployed, but he hopes to complete his SafePass course this week and has possible work as a labourer.
“He advises that his lifestyle has changed and he is now very much trying to focus on providing for his children.”
Kelly said that the incident was ‘an act of stupidness’ and told Judge Kelly that he was ‘genuinely sorry.’
For having no tax, Judge Kelly fined Kelly €120 and gave him six months to pay.
Judge Kelly adjourned the matter until October 19 to allow for the preparation of community service and probation reports.