A JUDGE was told that it took just three minutes for a Limerick driver to clock up four dangerous driving convictions while he was being pursued by Gardaí.
Paul Conway (37) of 11, Richmond Park, Corbally pleaded guilty before Limerick District Court to the four charges which began with his driving through a red light at the Childers Road junction and “almost colliding with a Garda patrol car,” the judge was told.
He drove on and when the patrol car went after him and signaled him to stop, he accelerated away, Judge Patricia Harney was told.
The accused drove on to a roundabout, failed to give way to traffic, narrowly avoided another collision and finally stopped when he mounted the Groody roundabout.
Judge Harney was told that the accused had six previous convictions, including four Road Traffic Offences.
His solicitor told the court Conway “cannot explain” why he sped away from the patrol car. “It was a flight or fight response – it was ridiculous behaviour and he apologises” the solicitor said.
Judge Harney disqualified him from driving for four years on each count of dangerous driving. “He put life and limb at risk,” she said. She also fined him €1,000.
