Motorist crashed Mercedes into base of sculpture in Dundalk

A motorist who claimed he had crashed a Mercedes car into the base of a sculpture marking US President Bill Clinton's visit to Dundalk, as a plastic bottle was stuck under the brake pedal.

Ross McDonald (21) of Castlekeel, Newry was originally charged with dangerous driving on Earl Street, Dundalk on August 27th 2023 and offered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless driving.

The original hearing last June was told that a red Mercedes had crashed after a bottle became stuck under the brake pedal.

The passenger, who had chest pains and was unable to hear properly following the collision with the base of the sculpture, was taken to hospital but refused to make a garda statement about the incident, and had fully recovered.

The defendant admitted driving the car and CCTV showed it driving at speed down Clanbrassil Street and past the courthouse, but he was unable to turn left onto Crowe Street and went straight through at 1.48am.

The Defence barrister said roadside tests were negative for both alcohol and drugs and while his client's speed would have been inappropriate, he argued it was on the careless end rather than dangerous driving.

He added his client had made a mistake and works as a driver for railway services and also required his licence to drive lorries and heavy machinery.

The case was adjourned so the defendant could undertake a drivers awareness course and produce a sum towards the damage caused.

Last Wednesday the Defence solicitor said her client had €1,000 in court and had completed the course.

Judge Nicola Andrews imposed a fine of €101 and directed the money should go to Louth County Council and referring to the plastic bottle explanation said "I didn't come down in the last shower".