Banned driver knocked down pedestrian and broke his leg

Haliatu Sulaimon (56) did not have insurance and was banned from driving for two years at the time.

Judge David McHugh fined Sulaimon €200, disqualified her from driving for four years and ordered her to complete 150 hours of community service in lieu of three months in jail.

The defendant, of Castlefield Court, Clonsilla, admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to careless driving and driving without insurance at Hartstown Road, Dublin 15, last March 22.

Gda Gary Farrell said the defendant was leaving a petrol station when she knocked down the pedestrian, knocking him over and breaking his leg.

Ambulance

Gda Farrell said Sulaimon was not speeding and she immediately stopped her car.

She also remained at the scene of the accident and called an ambulance for the injured pedestrian.

Gda Farrell said Sulaimon was deeply upset at the scene. Her daughter was in her car at the time.

Defence solicitor Simon Fleming said the defendant was on social welfare and working part-time as a cleaner.

She was originally from Nigeria, had three daughters and had lived in Ireland for 18 years.

Judge McHugh asked why Sulaimon should not go to jail, as she was disqualified at the time of the offence and was in breach of a court order.

Mr Fleming said Sulaimon accepted she was completely in the wrong and was genuinely remorseful for her behaviour.

He said the defendant had co-operated fully with gardai and had remained at the scene and given a statement, even though she knew she should not have been driving.