Limerick teacher collides with a pillar in estate after taking cocaine
A TEACHER, who “took off at speed” in a car and collided with a pillar in the early hours of the morning after St Patrick’s Day, had consumed cocaine, Newcastle West Court heard.
The accused - Darragh McCarthy, aged 33, of Ballymurragh East, Newcastle West pleaded guilty to drug driving and dangerous driving at the local court.
Rossa McMahon, solicitor for Mr McCarthy, said his client was in Australia but that the case could be heard in his absence. The State agreed.
Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting, said gardai observed a car stopped in the middle of the road at The Square, Newcastle West at around 3.40am on March 18, 2023.
“The car took off at speed onto Bridge Street in the direction of the N21. The car went through the Old Pike roundabout at speed before colliding with a pillar at Castleview Estate,” said Insp Manton.
Mr McCarthy was arrested and conveyed to a garda station where a blood sample later showed the presence of cocaine, said the garda inspector. Insp Manton said Mr McCarthy has a total of 26 previous convictions dating back to 2009.
Mr McMahon said his client is a 33-year-old teacher by training and profession. The solicitor said it is accepted Mr McCarthy has a number of previous convictions.
“He had personal issues - he hit a difficult patch in life,” said Mr McMahon. The incident “shocked” the defendant and he commenced counselling, said Mr McMahon.
“He decided to make a fresh start and moved to Australia where he is working and settled for the foreseeable future,” said Mr McMahon.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican disqualified Mr McCarthy from driving for one year and fined him €500 for drug driving.
The judge fined him €350 for dangerous driving.