Driver left accident scene – and his number plate

Driver left accident scene – and his number plate


A Ballinrobe man was disqualified from driving for one year at last week’s sitting of Claremorris District Court after he crashed in to a car on the Main Street in Claremorris and hurriedly left the scene. The man also subsequently failed to report the incident it to the Gardaí.
Simon Connolly (36), of 35 Hazel Court, Convent Road, Ballinrobe, admitted to the charges, which occurred in what was described as an act of ‘stupidity’.
The incident occurred at 2.45pm on August 3 last. Garda Jason Lardner of Claremorris Garda Station was on patrol when he received a call that a vehicle had collided with a car on Main Street and left the scene.
The vehicle was reportedly seen travelling in the direction of Ballinrobe after the collision and the Ballinrobe Gardaí were duly notified. A number plate that had fallen off the offending vehicle was also found at the scene of the incident, and gardaí were able to link the registration to Mr Connolly.
After being questioned in relation to the damaged car, Mr Connolly admitted that he had been the driver and that he had left the scene of the accident. The court heard that Mr Connolly had never been before the courts.
The Ballinrobe man said he regretted his actions. He was fully insured and the issue of compensation to the injured party had been addressed.
The court heard he was the operator of a seamless-gutter business that employed one person. He was paying maintenance for his two children and a driving ban would have ‘severe consequences’ for him.
Judge Devins disqualified him for one year for his failure to stop at the scene of the accident. He was also fined €1,000.