Youngsters who threw eggs at passing motorists on Hallowe'en in 1996 caused a lorry driver to lose control, resulting in a serious accident, Cork Circuit Court has been told.
Mr Patrick Healy, of Berrings, Co Cork, thought his lorry had struck something when he heard thumps on its side as he was driving from Mallow. He did a U-turn and went back to where the incident occurred, but could see nothing.
As he passed a crossroads he again heard a noise and the trailer of the articulated truck swerved across the white line. An oncoming car was struck, went out of control and into a ditch, seriously injuring the occupant.
He later discovered that eggs had been thrown at the vehicle as he was passing the junction.
Mr Healy was appealing a District Court conviction of careless driving, which resulted in an endorsement. Judge John Buckley reduced the conviction to one of driving without due care and attention and removed the endorsement.
"The difficulties which Mr Healy experienced were created by children throwing eggs," said the judge.