Speedster who clocked 217km/h gets banned
Judge Fiona Lydon said the defendant's driving was 'unacceptable at any level'.
A man who drove at 217km/hr (134 miles per hour) on the N17 had "no regard for anyone's safety", a district judge has stated.
Judge Fiona Lydon made her comments at Castlebar District Court where James Wall, aged 40, of Sullom, New Road, Little London, Tadley, England, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.
Gda John Barrett, who is attached to the Mayo Roads Policing Unit, told the court that he was conducting a speed check on the N17 near Kilkelly at 12.23pm on September 16, 2023, when he detected a Lamborghini Huracan travelling at a speed of 217km/hr. The speed limit on the stretch of road is 100km/hr.
Gda Barrett said he pursued the vehicle and activated the blue lights on the patrol car. He continued to follow the Lamborghini for around 10km until it came to a stop at Castlegar, Claremorris. During the pursuit, the Lamborghini overtook a dozen vehicles in one continuous manoeuvre at a speed of around 160km/hr. The road conditions were dry and visibility was good, the Garda said.
When the car eventually stopped, Gda Barrett spoke to the driver, James Wall, who produced a full UK driving licence. The garda showed Wall a picture from the speed camera and Wall accepted he had been driving at an excessive speed. Roadside alcohol and drug tests were conducted, both of which were negative. Wall was arrested for dangerous driving and conveyed to Claremorris Garda Station.
He has no previous convictions.
David Staunton BL said his client runs a small construction business in the UK specialising in garden offices. He said Wall had been part of the Cannonball Run, which visited Ballina earlier in the day.
Mr Staunton said his client fully accepts his behaviour was inappropriate in any circumstance. Since the incident, Wall has been fully cooperative, travelling to Ireland to undergo a driver awareness programme and to attend his court dates. He has also sold his Lamborghini as a show of good faith.
Judge Lydon said there were a number of aggravating factors, such as the speed and the distance that Gda Barrett had to pursue Wall with the patrol car's lights activated.
“This is unacceptable driving at any level. Mr Wall had no regard for anyone’s safety,” she said.
Judge Lydon said she would not impose a custodial sentence, as Wall had shown remorse for the incident and had been cooperative with the Gardaí.
She instead imposed a two-year disqualification from driving and a fine of €2,000.
