Judge tells Louth learner driver (23) to ‘grow up’ after he performed ‘donuts’ in middle of the road
A 23-year-old motorist forced other traffic to stop as he performed ‘donuts’ on the road in the early hours of the morning, Dundalk District Court has been told.
Shane Sharkey, who has no previous convictions, was a learner driver when behind the wheel of a BMW more than two years ago.
The defendant, of Clooneevan, Haggardstown, Dundalk, contested charges of dangerous driving and drink driving stemming from the incident which began on the old Dublin Road.
The apprentice electrician also denied being an unaccompanied learner driver, having no insurance, failing to produce insurance and failing to comply with a requirement to provide a roadside breath sample.
Mr Sharkey had insurance, and Judge Nicola Andrews dismissed those related charges, and all others with the exception of dangerous driving.
She said that the accused behaved “recklessly” and that there was “a degree of intoxication involved”.
For dangerous driving, he was fined €2,000, disqualified for two years and directed to complete 60 hours community service in lieu of two months imprisonment.
Gda Stephen McLoughlin said that on February 25, 2024, he was travelling on the R132 from Castlebellinghan towards Dundalk when at 12.41am at Haggardstown he saw a grey BMW 3 Series doing “donuts” in the middle of the road causing other traffic to stop to avoid a collision.
This occurred at a staggered junction. Vehicles were stopped at both junctions.
The BMW then turned left on to Clermont Road, the witness added. He activated the blue lights and siren on his jeep. The car continued a short distance before pulling in.
Gda McLoughlin said that he requested a uniform patrol car to attend before he exited his vehicle.
He got a smell of alcohol from Shane Sharkey whose speech was slurred.
Gda Fintan Sherlock testified that he responded to his colleague’s call.
He discovered that the defendant was on a learner permit. A passenger in the car said that he didn’t have a full driving licence.
At 12.55am Gda Sherlock said that he made a demand for a roadside breath test. Mr Sharkey “made no attempt” to blow into the device and was arrested at Clermont Road, Haggardstown.
Gda Enda Brogan gave evidence that he commenced a 20-minute period of observation at Dundalk Garda Station at 2am before breath samples were provided which showed an over the limit reading of 75mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath., which is more than eight times the 9mg limit for a specified driver.
After the conclusion of the prosecution evidence, defence counsel Ronan O’Carroll, instructed by solicitor Catherine Taaffe, said that a copy of the regulations in respect of the unaccompanied driver charge had not been handed in.
Neither was Mr Sharkey told that refusal to provide a roadside breath test was an offence.
Mr O’Carroll said that he had his client’s insurance details which he submitted were previously produced in court.
There was no evidence that a lawful demand had been made for insurance.
In respect of the drink driving allegation, there was no evidence that the certificate had been duly completed. It had been signed in the incorrect order, the barrister continued.
It must be signed by the garda first but the court had been given the opposite evidence.
Judge Andrews said that there was a case to answer for dangerous driving, but dismissed all other charges.
Mr O’Carroll said that he would not be calling evidence.
He added that the Christmas before this incident Mr Sharkey’s partner lost a baby and he acted “recklessly” for a couple of months thereafter. The relationship ended.
The defendant has almost completed his apprenticeship as an electrician. He works every couple of weeks in Finland.
Judge Andrews sympathised with the accused.
She said that he had behaved “recklessly”. There was “a degree of intoxication involved”.
After imposing penalties as outlined, the judge concluded, “Mr Sharkey - grow up!”
Bail to appeal was set at a personal bond of €2,000 with €2,000 cash lodged.