Singer Tommy Fleming avoids speeding conviction as GoSafe operator fails to appear in court

The multi-million album selling singer Tommy Fleming has avoided a conviction for speeding after a no show by GoSafe speed van operators in court.

At Gort District Court this Friday, Sergeant Damien Prendergast told Judge Adrian Harris the State was seeking to request “a blanket adjournment" for all of the GoSafe prosecutions listed before the court to next month.

Sgt Prendergast told Judge Harris that he was requesting the adjournment as the GoSafe operators had other commitments including court appearances elsewhere.

However, the judge struck out any cases where a motorist appeared in connection with a GoSafe summons for speeding.

In his case, Tommy Fleming, who has an address at Castleconnor, Ballina, Co. Mayo, was accused of driving his 15D-registered vehicle in excess of 120km/h on the M18, Galway to Limerick motorway, at Killeenhugh, Kinvara, Co. Galway on December 12, 2021.

When Tommy Fleming’s name was called, solicitor Deirdre Brophy said that she appeared on his behalf and that Mr Fleming had travelled from Ballina for the court hearing.

While Sgt Prendergast asked for an adjournment of the case, Judge Harris refused saying that he would strike out the prosecution.

“The State isn’t here to proceed. This man has travelled here and I strike out the matter,” he said.

Mr Fleming smiled as he briefly spoke with Ms Brophy before exiting the court.

Judge Harris dismissed another case against a driver from Cashel, Co. Tipperary who showed up in the court “because the Go Safe people aren’t here”. 

In four other cases, Judge Harris adjourned the prosecutions to next month when there was also a ‘no-show’ from the drivers concerned.

Over a 30 year career and one of Ireland’s most popular singers, Tommy Fleming has sold 3.5 million albums around the world and is currently in the middle of a nationwide tour.