‘I can’t believe he is standing in front of me breathing’ – Judge shocked by evidence in horror Louth crash
“I can’t believe he is standing in front of me breathing,” a judge has remarked after hearing how an inexperienced driver was thrown from his car after colliding with an articulated lorry.
Robert Bagnall (19), Clonmore, Hale Street, Ardee, pleaded guilty to a dangerous driving summons following a midnight incident last year.
Drogheda Court heard that the defendant’s seat belt snapped on impact and he was thrown from the car, suffering extensive injuries.
Gardaí found him lying on the road at the rear of the vehicle.
Mr Bagnall’s solicitor said that his client had a momentary lapse in concentration when he crossed the road into the lorry’s path on the N33 at Harristown, Ardee on June 24 last.
Gda Carmel Dunne testified that a witness travelling behind the defendant at the speed limit said that he crossed the road “for some reason”. The collision occurred on the hard shoulder.
The officer said that when she arrived there was significant debris on the road, including an engine block.
A DAF articulated lorry and Seat Leon were both significantly damaged.
Mr Bagnall was lying on the road at the rear of the car. His seat belt had snapped and he was thrown from the vehicle.
The driver of the lorry passed roadside sobriety tests, while the accused was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda by ambulance.
Doctors would not permit samples to be taken from him.
Gardaí closed the road for the rest of the night for a forensice examination. Fortunately, the defendant pulled through, Gda Dunne continued.
Among his injuries were a broken leg and ligament damage. He also required right elbow surgery.
While the defendant, who has no previous convictions and was on a learner permit, was co-operative, he did not provide a statement.
“I can’t believe he is standing in front of me breathing,” Judge Andrews remarked.
“It’s a very good thing he’s taking this course of action.”
Solicitor Paddy Goodwin said that his client was fully insured.
It was a momentary lapse. There was no evidence of speed nor drink or drugs.
A €101 fine and two-year disqualification were imposed.
“I don’t know what happened. No samples were taken,” said the judge, who noticed Mr Bagnall’s mother crying in the courtroom.
“I’m not surprised she’s crying,” Judge Andrews said to the defendant.
“I’m shocked your mother’s not standing over a grave, with that level of damage.”