‘Very young and very dumb’ – Speeding drivers were ‘playing Schumacher and Häkkinen down the M1’

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

Two motorists who drove at 180kmh on the M1 have been disqualified from driving.

Filip Binkowski (24), Fernleigh Drive, Castleknock, Blanchardstown, and Alex Mateass (23), Whitestown Park, Blanchardstown, were summonsed for dangerous driving.

Judge Nicola Andrews rejected applications to reduce to careless driving, an offence which does not carry a mandatory disqualification, and likened their behaviour to “playing Schumacher and Häkkinen down the M1”.

Mr Binkowski was behind the wheel of a Lexus and Mr Mateass a BMW when gardaí encountered them travelling side by side on the motorway at 10.24pm on April 17, 2024.

They were matching each other’s speed of 60kmh before “taking off at high speed”.

A garda car caught up with them and matched their speed of 180kmh at Kilsharvan.

Barrister Eoghan Fagan said that Mr Binkowski works in maintenance at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Applying to have the summons reduced to careless driving, counsel continued that his client fully appreciated where the court is coming from.

"Very young, very dumb and very stupid,” remarked Judge Andrews.

She added she was dealing with it as dangerous driving.

"180kmh on the M1. He shouldn’t have a licence and shouldn’t be driving.”

Mr Fagan said that his client accepted the facts. It was a once-off. He had learned a lesson.

A €101 fine and two-year driving disqualification were imposed, the ban postponed until January 23.

The judge explained that the fine is “extremely low” in light of the fact that the defendant will suffer economically.

Mr Fagan said that Alex Mateass was in the same position.

He works in customer support and has a company car to attend at pubs, and assists his father who is seriously ill. The loss of his licence will have a knock-on effect.

"If they want to play Schumacher and Häkkinen down the M1…..,” the judge said as she fined Mr Mateass €101 and disqualified him from driving for two years.

In each case bail to appeal was set at a personal bond of €100.