National: Driving ban for motorist caught travelling at almost 200km/h on busy motorway

A motorist has been convicted of dangerous driving after he was caught travelling at 192kph on a busy motorway.

Alejandro Drama, who has an address at Mount Symon Green, Clonsilla, Dublin, was also convicted of driving without insurance and of failing to produce insurance. He had entered a not guilty plea.

At Kilkenny District Court, evidence was given by Garda Damien Rafter who said he was operating a speed check on the M9 at Ballygeardra on March 1, 2023. At 4.46pm a VW Golf passed while travelling at 192km/h.

Garda Rafter stopped Mr Drama who produced a Romanian driving licence. He told the garda his mother was ill in Dublin and that he wanted to get back to her.

Mr Drama also told Garda Rafter that he bought the car earlier that day and he was insured with 123.ie. He was asked to produce his insurance at a garda station within ten days, but failed to do so.

On checking with the insurance company, Garda Rafter learned neither Mr Drama nor his car ever had cover with 123.ie.

In answer to questions from Maurice Barden BL, for Mr Drama, Garda Rafter said there was no concern about the roadworthiness of the vehicle or the manner of Mr Drama’s driving, other than the speed.

He said road conditions were dry and there were no passengers in the car.

Mr Drama was not present in court and Mr Barden made no applications and he did not make any submissions regarding mitigation.

Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted Mr Drama of dangerous driving, not having insurance and failing to produce insurance.

She was told the defendant had no previous convictions.

Any person driving at that speed is not only putting themselves at risk but also other people, Judge Carthy commented.

On the dangerous driving conviction, she imposed a fine of €700 and disqualified Mr Drama from driving for two years. He was fined €300 for not having insurance and disqualified for two years.

The charge of not producing the insurance was taken into account.

Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.