A DRIVER who hit a speed of 200km/h on a motorway in Clare could have caused “devastation and death,” a judge has warned.

Judge Mary Larkin was speaking at Ennis District Court where she imposed a two year driving ban on Frankie Mongan (25).

Mongan, with an address at Thornfield Drive, Lisnamult, Co Roscomon, was before the court on a charge of dangerous driving but was convicted of careless driving after the State accepted his plea to the lesser charge.

In evidence, garda Cyril Page said he and a colleague were operating a speed checkpoint at the M18, Carrigoran near Newmarket-on-Fergus on July 5, 2021.

The garda said that at 7.35pm he detected a car travelling at 174km/h in a 120km/h zone.

The court heard gardai pursued and the car driven by Mongan hit a speed on 200km/h.

The pursuit came to an end when Mongan pulled in, the court heard.

Judge Mary Larkin said, “I can’t imagine getting my car to go that fast.”

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court her client’s car was able to handle being driven at 200km/h.

Judge Larkin said, “If you hit somebody at 200km/h, there is devastation and death.”

Ms Godfrey said that on the night in question, Mr Mongan told gardaí he was in a rush to get back to Roscommon because he was working early in the morning.

She said she had a letter from her client’s employer saying there had been no issues when Mr Mongan drove company machinery.

Ms Godfrey said her client needs to be able to drive for his job.

Judge Larkin disqualified Mongan from driving for two years and imposed a €500 fine.

Following an application from Ms Godfrey, Judge Larkin deferred the commencement of the disqualification for six months.

Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

By Ronan Judge