Man knocked unconscious in Kildare motorway road rage incident after vehicle overturned, court hears

A motorist was knocked out after he was punched during a road rage incident on the M4 motorway, near Maynooth.

This was the claim made at Naas District where Michael McNamara, 26, whose address was given as 20 Royal Canal Court, Kilcock.

Sgt Mary Meade said an accident occurred at Barrogstown, Maynooth, at 3.15pm on April 11, 2024 and words were exchanged.

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The sergeant said the injured party was punched in the face by the defendant and knocked out for a couple seconds.

Sgt Meade added the defendant left the scene before gardaí arrived and the injured party was a 53 year old.

She told Judge Desmond Zaidan that both drivers were travelling in the same direction and the defendant was in the outer lane.

According to the man, in a victim impact statement, he was unable to work for a month and  panics when someone tailgates him.

The statement said he tries to avoid heavy motorway traffic and often has to pull over.

Sgt Meade described his injuries as left side facial pain and an abrasion on a cheek.

Defending solicitor David Powderly said the events have haunted the defendant. He said there was an incident on the road where the defendant collided with the middle section and his vehicle turned over.

He added "there was a confrontation over what happened and the defendant lost his temper.”

He described it as a very serious accident on a motorway and “both of them could have been killed.” Mr Powderly also pointed out that the injured party was charged with offences which were subsequently dropped.

He said the defendant had written an apology which was heartfelt and genuine. He handed in references which indicate the defendant is a good person.

He also said he has taken lessons  from his behaviour, has attended counselling and has no previous convictions.

He said he is a man of previous good character and the two men “were shouting at each other and tempers were high.”

Mr Powderly also said the defendant had come up with €5,000, a significant gesture of remorse and “it’s everything he and his family have.”

Judge Zaidan said the case was “very serious” and the injured party went to assist the defendant.

“The pure road rage is palpable," he said, adding the defendant had caused the incident. He  imposed an eleven months custody term for assault and a consecutive five months term for driving without insurance as well as a six year disqualification.