Trailer wheel breaks loose on N13
A Meath lorry driver whose trailer shed a wheel on the N13 in Newtowncunningham had his case struck out at Letterkenny District Court on Monday past.
Albert Cassely (68) of Mount Hanover, Duleek, Co. Meath, was driving his lorry and trailer near Moyle, Newtowncunningham at 8.30am on March 20, 2024, when the rogue wheel came loose on the busy road during rush hour. The wheel struck another vehicle before coming to a stop.
Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) inspection had not shown the trailer or wheels to be defective, and that a trailer wheel coming off and hitting another vehicle would not normally be detectable.
Defending solicitor Rory O’Brien told the court that his client had checked the trailer wheels before setting off and the wheel nuts were all secure. He added that Mr Cassely had done what he believed was the correct procedure before his journey, there was no intent, and the case against Mr Cassely could be contested on the facts presented before the court.
Mr O’Brien said his client had been very concerned for the driver of the other vehicle the wheel collided with, and that Mr Cassely had cooperated fully with the investigation.
Judge Emile Daly struck out the case.