Judge concerned over Roscommon man's 'anti-State stance' 

A Roscommon man has appeared in court for failing to tell Gardaí who was driving his car when it was involved in a single-vehicle accident.

Cormac Gannon, aged 27, of Gortgallon, Lanesboro, Co Roscommon pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to the offence.

Gda Noel Higgins told the court that he observed a black Audi A6 driving westbound on the N5 towards the Charlestown bypass at around 9pm on November 16, 2024. The vehicle was registered to Gannon.

This vehicle soon stopped at a checkpoint, but took off at speed when the Garda operating the checkpoint spoke to the driver. It continued until it crashed and the driver fled the scene before Gardaí arrived.

Gannon was identified as the passenger in the front seat but refused to tell Gda Higgins who had been driving. He has four previous convictions.

Solicitor Peter Loftus said his client worked as a supervisor in a shop. On the day of the incident, he had consumed alcohol, was not fit to drive and allowed someone else to do so. He admitted failing to identify the driver and Mr Loftus said "alcohol may have had some bearing" on this.

Judge Sandra Murphy said she had serious concerns about Gannon’s ‘anti-State’ stance.

“This man failed to cooperate with the Gardaí when they were carrying out their lawful duty and he is persisting in an anti-State stance,” she said. “He is showing no insight into this offence. The person driving could have had hit another person or hit a Garda while speeding through the checkpoint.” 

Judge Murphy adjourned the case to May 8 next for a probation report. 

• Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.