Driver in 'fear' when he fled three-car crash
An uninsured driver taking his new car for a test drive was involved in a three-vehicle crash, which he then ran away from, Dublin District Court heard.
The driver of one of the cars had to be cut out by Dublin Fire Brigade and taken to hospital for treatment.
Connor Hennelly (23) had just bought his car under a false name and was not insured to drive it when he collided with two other cars.
"He was an inexperienced driver who was overcome with fear, his actions were out of character for him," Judge Anthony Halpin said.
Dublin District Court heard Hennelly bought the car on January 9 last.
That day he took it for a test drive and collided with two other cars on Drumcondra Road Lower. He then fled the scene.
Defence solicitor Tony Collier said the cost of the damage was not yet established, but there would be civil proceedings.
"The damage and destruction is indicative of the degree of carelessness, which was compounded by the fact that a person had to be cut from the car," judge Halpin said.
"If the accused had got insurance on the vehicle, there would have been no reason for him to flee.
"Each and every policyholder in this country is paying a 2pc levy to bail out the failure of Quinn Insurance.
"Each and every one of us is paying for the failure of the banks.
"Culpability and responsibility in this country are distant cousins that are not on speaking terms.
Judge Halpin fined him €500 and banned him from driving for two years.
The judge said some young drivers were running the risk of driving without insurance because of policy costs.
Hennelly - of Fitzroy Avenue, Drumcondra - pleaded guilty to careless and uninsured driving, as well as failing to stay at the scene of an accident or report it.