Dundalk Court: Motorist caught speeding was upset over divorce

A motorist caught speeding at 191kph on the M1 motorway was upset at the time over his wife initiating divorce proceedings, Dundalk district court heard last week.

Ivan Josan (33) of Cedar Brook Walk, Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10 who was prosecuted for dangerous driving at Drumleck, Castlebellingham on March 11th last year and entered a guilty plea last Wednesday on the day it was listed for a contested hearing.

A member of the Roads Policing Unit was conducting a speed enforcement checkpoint shortly after 5pm, when he detected a Toyota Avensis travelling at 191 kph where a 120kph limit applies. 

He was overtaking other vehicles at the time.

The court heard the Moldovan national had no previous convictions.

His barrister, who had said when the case was called that there was no application to reduce the charge, as it falls squarely into the dangerous driving category, told the court his client lives a pro-social life but had received a phone call from his wife to serve divorce proceedings on him and he was upset.

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He added he is a father of three children, who as a result of the breakdown of his relationship, now live in Moldova, while he works in construction in Leixlip.

Judge Nicola Jane Andrews said the consequences of a crash at that speed for both the defendant and other road users was "simply unthinkable."

Judge Andrews sentenced the defendant to six months, which she suspended for 48 months.

She also imposed a four year disqualification and a fine of €105.