Two men who allegedly were racing at speeds of up to 200km/h on the Mullingar bypass while videoing themselves have been convicted and fined €2,000 each for dangerous driving.
Tommy Gorman (34), Milltownpass, Co Westmeath, and Alberto Rizzini (23), Slanemore, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, appeared before Judge John F Neilan at Mullingar District Court yesterday.
The court heard that on May 5th, a garda travelling in an unmarked car towards Mullingar spotted the two men, who were driving a Ford Focus and Italian Lancia, "weaving in and out of lanes, overtaking cars on the bypass, travelling at high speed".
It was alleged at a previous court hearing that the men were recording the incident on a hand-held video camera.
Supt Pádraig Rhattigan told the court on that occasion: "During the search of Mr Rizzini's car, a hand-held video recorder was found and when inspected, it showed Mr Rizzini clearly on the video and both [ cars] being driven at high speed - on a number of occasions side by side - along a major road in Mullingar, the dual carriageway."
John Quinn, solicitor for the defendants, said Rizzini was selling the Lancia, "a high-value car". Both men took great pride in their cars and the incident was in effect "the last hurrah" for the Lancia. Judge Neilan asked why separate speeding prosecutions were not also before the court. An inspector said that although the garda personally recorded speeds of up to 200km/h, it was difficult to prove in the absence of speeding cameras or guns.
Mr Quinn presented to the court a number of testimonials from both men's employers and others as to their "good character".
He claimed this was an isolated incident, neither had any previous convictions and both men were otherwise "useful contributors to society".
Mr Quinn asked Judge Neilan if he would allow both men to keep their driving licences.
Rizzini worked as a tour guide for his parents' tourism business transporting Italian tourists to various attractions, landmarks and events, while Gorman, a customer services manager, was supporting his wife who is in full-time education.
Judge Neilan said he would not disqualify the men from driving because it was likely the decision could be overturned at Circuit Court level.
"You were fortunate that your last hurrah did not end in injury or death to yourselves or other motorists," he said.