Partner of pregnant woman fined for speeding on busy Limerick road while disqualified

A MOTORIST drove while disqualified because his eight month pregnant partner needed to be brought to hospital, Newcastle West Court heard.

Eric Russell, aged 25, of Sycamore Drive, Kilmallock pleaded guilty to speeding and driving without a licence.

The court heard that Mr Russell was driving at 134kms in a 100km zone on the N21 on March 16, 2022.

Inspector Gearoid Thompson said after the defendant was stopped by gardai it was discovered he was disqualified from driving at the time.

Insp Thompson said Mr Russell has 28 previous convictions including three for driving without insurance.

Solicitor Kevin Power accepted his client has a poor record. “It was an unfortunate situation. His partner who was eight months pregnant at the time had a sudden onset of pain and needed to be brought to the hospital. At that point he had two years served (of a driving ban) and after one more year he could have applied to get back on the road,” said Mr Power.

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The solicitor said Mr Russell has two children and undertakes voluntary work in Kilmallock.

“A lot of the offences dated back to 2018 / 2019 which was a very chaotic period in his life. He ended up in a serious road traffic accident,” said Mr Power.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican fined Mr Russell €200 for speeding and €300 for driving without a licence.