Driving ban for Spanish man found driving at 180 km/h in Kildare

A man who was driving at 180 km/h on a motorway was prosecuted at Naas District Court.

Roberto Ibanez Mompo, 51, whose address was given as Elcano 37, 03143 Santa Polo, Alicante, Spain, was prosecuted for dangerous driving on November 14, 2023, at M7 Curragh.

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Garda John O’Sullivan told a previous court hearing  the defendant overtook an unmarked patrol car at in excess of 180 km/h.

He said it happened at 7.10pm in dry weather conditions when visibility was okay.

He said there was street lighting in the area.

The garda added that the defendant immediately slowed when the blue lights were activated; he was fully cooperative and apologised.

Solicitor David Powderly said the defendant is a Spanish national who works for a textile company and visits Ireland two or three times a year.

He added the defendant was driving a rented car.

He also said the defendant had brought €1,500 to court with him as a gesture of remorse.

Judge Desmond Zaidan adjourned the case and said he would impose a fine of €750 for careless driving if the defendant is willing to donate €4,000 to charitable causes.

However at a subsequent hearing Mr Powderly said the defendant was not in a position to pay.

Judge Zaidan imposed a €500 fine and disqualified him from driving for two years.