Judge mulls reprieve for ‘outrageous’ dangerous driver

Judge mulls reprieve for ‘outrageous’ dangerous driver


A 22-year-old Kiltimagh man who was jailed by Judge Mary Devins at Castlebar District Court in January for dangerous driving appealed his sentence before Judge Tony Hunt in Castlebar Circuit Court last week.
Giving evidence, Garda GrΡinne Bligh said she and Garda Peter Sarsfield were conducting a checkpoint shortly after 8am in Balla on September 22 last when a car, which was being driven by the defendant, Mark Walsh of Treenlaur, Kiltimagh, failed to stop as directed. The defendant drove through the checkpoint and was observed overtaking cars on continuous white lines and on a bend at speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour. Moments later, the defendant crashed the vehicle. He then gave a false name before being taken to Mayo General Hospital for treatment.
Solicitor for the defence, Tom Walsh, accepted that it was very fortunate that no innocent road users were affected by Mark Walsh’s outrageous actions. He said Mark Walsh had learnt from the incident and was making huge strides in rebuilding his life. The court heard that the qualified chef now had a job offer to work in the UK.
Mr Walsh told Judge Hunt that his client had recently successfully completed an addiction treatment programme in Athenry. Walsh was dealing with a drinking problem, which had been an issue for him in recent years.
He also stated that his client had reacted adversely to a mix of prescription medication and alcohol in the hours leading up to the incident and that this behaviour was completely out of character.  The court was told that Mr Walsh deeply regretted his actions.
Judge Hunt condemned what he described as a ‘hair-raising’ incident and added, “He could have ended up killing himself but the unfortunate thing is innocent passers-by could have been affected.”
Garda Bligh said Mark Walsh had not come to the attention of  gardai since the incident. Judge Hunt responded by stating, “I’m reluctant to jail people, particularly when they don’t have a bad background, but this is a very serious case.”
Judge Hunt requested a probation report and a community service report, and he indicated that if Mark Walsh is deemed suitable, he might be inclined to impose a suspended sentence and community service.