Courts / Dublin / Report
Learner driver ran stop sign and nearly collided with garda car, court hears
Summary
A 43‑year‑old learner driver, Jijo George, was found guilty of dangerous driving after he ran a stop sign on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, on 29 January 2023. Garda Joanne McGinn, who was on patrol at the time, observed the vehicle fail to stop, nearly colliding with her patrol car and a child on a bicycle. She noted a strong smell of alcohol and performed a breath test that returned clear. George was driving on a learner's permit without L plates or an accompanying driver. He was charged under Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and Section 69 for failure to produce insurance. The court upheld the conviction, imposing a two‑year disqualification and a €250 fine. The judge accepted all evidence presented by the Garda. Jijo George pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Learner driver ran stop sign and nearly collided with garda car, court hears. Charges or matters: dangerous driving under Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 in the District Court. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 29, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-04-07 Publication
Why: Today Mr George told the court that he did not reverse near the child on the bicycle because there were vehicles behind him and that he safely stopped at the sign. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: dangerous driving under Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 in the District Court (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin road
- Drogheda Street
- Chapel Street
- Balbriggan
- Dublin
- District Court Appeals Court
- and brought to Balbriggan Garda Station
- Balbriggan
- The doctor at the garda station
Topics
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