Police observed teenage ‘R’ driver overtaking six cars at speed

A KILSKEERY teenager has been disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £300 following a dangerous overtaking incident on the A32.

Oisin Campbell, 18, of Glebe Road appeared at Omagh Magistrates Court recently, where he was convicted of dangerous driving.

Campbell, who was driving as a restricted (R) plate driver, pleaded guilty to speeding in excess of 45mph and for not displaying his R plates. However, he contested the charge of dangerous driving, arguing that his actions should be classified as careless driving instead.

The court heard that on January 26, around 9:30pm, Campbell was seen overtaking six vehicles, including a police car, on the A32.

The police were in a queue of ten cars, all travelling at approximately 60mph, the speed limit for that road.

An officer reported that Campbell’s vehicle was spotted in the wing mirror before overtaking and cutting back into the lane in front of the police car and five other vehicles.

The police activated their lights and siren in an attempt to pull Campbell over, estimating his speed to be at least 90mph.

However, due to heavy traffic, officers deemed it unsafe to pursue him immediately.

Police later caught up with Campbell and stopped him.

He fully cooperated at the roadside, revealing that he was a restricted driver.

remorse

Defence solicitor Michael Fahy told the court that Campbell acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed remorse, asserting that he would not appear before the court again.

District Judge Ted Magill emphasised that Campbell’s high speed and overtaking of multiple vehicles constituted dangerous driving.

The speeding charge was incorporated into the dangerous driving offence. In addition to the driving ban, Campbell must complete an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road. The 18-year-old was also fined £300 for the offences.