Limerick motorist ‘panicked’ when he drove off from gardaí as he had consumed one drink

A DRIVER collecting his friends from the pub on New Year’s Eve drove off from gardai “in a moment of panic” because he had a drink taken, Newcastle West Court heard.

Dean Buston, aged 22, of Killeheen, Ardagh pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving and of having no insurance on a vehicle in Rathkeale on December 31, 2023.

Garda Tommy Commane said on the night in question he was on patrol in the town. He said he observed a van exit the hotel.

“In a moment of panic he took off. He drove for a short distance before stopping. He was arrested for the offence of dangerous driving. He was forthcoming with the information that he had no insurance,” said Garda Commane.

Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Buston has a previous conviction for careless driving and for driving without insurance.

Two cars stolen on same night in Limerick in separate incidents

Mr Buston “took off” from gardai and went through a red light in Abbeyfeale on January 26, 2022.

Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for Mr Buston, said it was the same garda who dealt with the previous matter. He said his client was contacted by friends on New Year’s Eve to come and collect them from the pub.

“He went in and had one drink. He did a test and was not over the limit. He panicked because he had one drink taken. He ended up in worse trouble by not stopping,” said Mr O’Donnell.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican disqualified Mr Buston from driving for two years and fined him €600 for the insurance charge.

The judge convicted and fined the defendant €350 for dangerous driving.