Young man disqualified after performing illegal U-turn in front of Limerick gardaí

A YOUNG man has been disqualified from driving for two years after he admitted performing an illegal U-turn in front of a garda patrol car.

The now 20-year-old who is from west Limerick appeared before Limerick District Court charged with dangerous driving, possession of drugs, and failure to appear in court.

He cannot be named as he was a juvenile when he committed the offence.

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The incident occurred in 2023 at Bawnmore Road, Limerick when the young man was observed by gardaí carrying out an illegal U-turn and crossing the white line while driving towards an unmarked garda car.

When stopped, it was established he did not have insurance or a valid driving licence.

The defendant was subsequently arrested and conveyed to Henry Street garda station, where he was searched and found to be in possession of cannabis valued at €200.

Solicitor John Herbert, representing the accused, said his client who had earlier entered a guilty plea in relation to the dangerous driving offence was also pleading guilty in relation to the drugs charge.

Having considered the contents of a probation report, Judge Patricia Harney described the accused’s engagement as “not very motivated”.

Mr Herbert told the court that his client “had been working in Dublin” and is now “living with his mother". He added he is currently working in the construction industry in Limerick.

Judge Harney said she was “not impressed” by the report, which outlined missed appointments, which were cancelled with less than a day’s notice by text message. She stated she would not be sending him back to probation services as it would “waste resources”.

She convicted him of driving without insurance or a licence and imposed fines totalling €650.

A two year disqualification was imposed in relation to the dangerous driving charge, along with a separate fine of €250.

On the charge of failure to appear, she convicted him and imposed a €120 fine.

Judge Harney said she was “quite concerned” about the charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as a conviction would have a “detrimental effect” on the young man when applying for jobs.

She remanded him on continuing bail to allow him to complete a Drugs Awareness course, stating that if it was completed by the next court date she would consider a donation to the Poor Box in lieu of a conviction.

“He’s been given a lifeline,” she added.