Mohill man in dangerous driving spree in Cavan

A young Leitrim man who went on a dangerous driving escapade in and around the streets and estates of Cavan town in November of last year while the Gardai were in hot pursuit found himself before Judge Patrick Clyne at Cavan District Court. Mark Gannon from Drummeen, Mohill, was convicted on one sample charge of dangerous driving at College Street and had his case adjourned to 9th July, 2009, to get a report from the Probation Officer to ascertain if he is suitable for community service. Judge Clyne directed that the defendant must do 220 hours community service in lieu of five months in jail if deemed suitable. He also disqualified Gannon from driving for four years, effective immediately. He took the remainder of the offences into consideration. Inspector Brendan Cadden outlining the facts of the case revealed that the defendant had engaged in hand brake turns and doughnuts and almost collided with the patrol car. He drove down Connolly Street, which is a one way street, the wrong way and he then raced through a residential area at Fair Hill taking both sides of the road with him. Garda Kevin Dolan continued to follow the vehicle which then drove towards the Tractamotors junction at high speed and went off up the Ballinagh road at high speed. Gannon was crossing from one side of the road to the other in order to stop Garda Dolan overtaking. Inspector Cadden stated that the defendant approached the roundabout at Moynehall still going at high speed. He again did another handbrake turn and drove at the Garda car. He then continued in the direction of Cavan town on the wrong side of the road and oncoming traffic had to take evasive action. Then at College he engaged in his last handbrake turn episode and crashed. He did not impact with any cars. Mr. Gabriel Toolan, solicitor defending, said it was an absolutely horrendous case of dangerous driving and nobody in their right mind would drive like this. He said that Mr. Gannon came from a very troubled fractured home and had been suffering from psychiatric problems for some time. A medical report from Dr. Arthur Dolan in Mohill was handed into the Judge. He was undergoing treatment shortly before this incident happened in November. He was unemployed and came from a very remote area in county Leitrim in the heart of the countryside. Judge Clyne said that the people of Cavan were entitled to walk the streets in safety and should not have to run for cover when a driver like this hit town driving like a nutcase. 'Apart from killing other on this night, he could have killed himself', said the Judge. Mr. Toolan said that his client was now back living with his father and this had brought a semblance of stability into his day to day life. Mark Gannon apologised to the prosecuting Garda, Kevin Dolan for his behaviour on the night in question.