Video madness in fast lane as racers tape 192kmh chase
Friday September 15 2006
Tommy Gorman (34), Coach House, Milltownpass, and Alberto Rizzini (23), Portloman, Slanemore, Mullingar, both Co Westmeath, were fined €2,000 for dangerous driving.
Both men faced three charges of dangerous driving at locations at Clongowney, Pettiswood and Newdown, along the N4 Mullingar bypass, on May 5 last.
Charges in respect of the Clongowney and Pettiswood locations were struck out with the consent of Gda Inspector Denis Shields.
Mullingar District Court heard that a garda travelling in an unmarked car spotted the two men, who were driving a Ford Focus and an Lancia, "weaving in and out of lanes, overtaking cars on the by-pass, travelling at high speed".
A previous court hearing was told the men were found to have been recording the incident on a handheld video camera.
Superintendent Padraig Rhattigan told the court on that occasion: "During the search of Mr Rizzini's car, a handheld video recorder was found, and when inspected, it showed Mr Rizzini clearly on the video and both (cars) being driven at high speed - on occasions side by side - along a major road in Mullingar, the main dual carriageway."
Mr Shields told the court that the garda put on his flashing light when the men took the first slip road for Mullingar after Hamill's Service Station.
Mr Rizzini, who was driving the Lancia and was closest to the garda, pulled over, but Mr Gorman continued on. The court heard that he later called into Mullingar Garda Station, where he was arrested and gave a full statement.
Solicitor for the defendants, John Quinn, explained that Mr Rizzini was selling the Lancia, "a high-value car".
He said that both men told great pride in their cars and the incident was "the last hurrah" for the Lancia.
In convicting and fining both men €2,000, Judge Neilan said he hoped the experience would be a "harsh reminder" and deterrent from such behaviour in the future.
"You were fortunate that your last hurrah did not end in injury or death."
