Motorist reversed into a parked car in Dundalk and drove off, court heard

Dundalk District Court has heard how a man who saw a motorist reverse into his parked car, had to take evasive action after he attempted to stop her driving off.

Joyce Johnson (52) of Woodville Manor, Dundalk was prosecuted for careless driving and a hit and run offence arising out of the incident at Lidl, Avenue Road on November 9th 2022.

The court heard last Wednesday that the victim told gardaí that he had left the store and was approaching his car when he saw another vehicle reverse straight into it, damaging the front driver's side.

He pursued the driver on foot and took down the registration, before "he had to get away for his own safety".
The car was located at Claddagh Park and was seized for a technical examination.

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While the defendant produced valid insurance and driving licence, the court heard she refused to make a cautioned statement.

The Defence had offered to enter a guilty plea to a reduced charge of driving without due consideration, however Judge Nicola

Jane Andrews said unlike with a dangerous driving offence, the legislation does not allow her to reduce it.

After the Defence stressed that it was a minor impact and the victim never pursued an insurance claim over the damage against Ms Johnson, Judge Nicola Jane Andrews imposed a fine of €105 for careless driving and applied the Probation Act for the hit and run offence.