Motorist who 'had a few drinks' failed to remain at the scene of crash in Crossmolina
The defendant pleaded guilty to the offence.
A motorist failed to stay at the scene after crashing into another vehicle.
Daniel Quinn, aged 29, of Carrowbrinogue, Castlebar pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of an accident at Main Street in Crossmolina on July 22, 2022.
Sgt John O’Reilly said the defendant had been driving towards Lahardane when he lost control of his 2008 Volvo car and crashed head-on into another vehicle, causing damage valued at €3,480.
Quinn left the scene immediately after the crash but his insurance company covered the damage.
Solicitor Peter Loftus said his client is a heavy machinery driver.
“As a result of his actions on the night, he will automatically receive a disqualification which will have a catastrophic effect in respect of his ability to work,” Mr Loftus said. “He had a few drinks taken when the collision occurred, and he accepts fully his responsibility and is pleading guilty.”
The defendant has several previous convictions.
Judge Fiona Lydon agreed that losing a job is a serious consequence of a conviction, but she said she had concerns because the defendant was previously sentenced for a drunk driving offence.
Judge Lydon said if the probation report is positive she may not increase the mandatory two-year driving disqualification.
The case was then adjourned until April 9th, 2024.
