Motorcyclist was travelling at 200kph

A motorcyclist who was estimated to be travelling at speeds of 200km (approx. 125 miles) per hour appeared before Virginia District Court charged with dangerous driving. Eamon Duffy, Edenburt, Mullagh, pleaded guilty to the offence that occurred at Drumgora, Virginia, on March 29. Inspector Alan Cunningham said Sergeant Tom Murray was on duty on the N3 when he observed two motorcycles travelling at speed and he followed them. He estimated that the motorcyclists were travelling at a speed of about 200km in a 100km zone. Just past Lisgrey House one of the motorcycles turned off to the left. The motorcyclist had to slow down and Sgt. Murray was able to catch up with him. The sergeant told the court he was on duty on the N3 at about 1.15pm he noticed two motorcycles travelling at high speed so he followed them. One of them looked behind himself and increased his speed. The motorcyclists pulled away from him. 'I estimated their speed to be 200km.' At Lisgrey one of the motorcycles turned to the left on to a back road. Sgt. Murray called for assistance and patrol cars from Bailieboro and Virginia set up a road block and the defendant was eventually stopped. Judge Patrick Clyne said: 'If a child or an adult walked out in front of the defendant they didn"t stand a chance. For God sake what type of behaviour was this?' He enquired if they were going to Mass on the occasion? Sergeant Murray said he didn"t think so. Judge Clyne said the maximum speed permitted on the N3 was 100km. Mr. Adrian Kelly solicitor defending said his client had been driving for 15 years and this was his first time in court. He apologised for his behaviour on the occasion. Judge Clyne reduced the charge from dangerous to careless driving and ordered the defendant to donate €700 to the Saint Vincent de Paul.