Sunday 1 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 23034Dangerous driving (reduced to careless driving) · Co. Kildare · 16 Apr 2018

Driver on hospital mercy mission avoids conviction for speeding on M9 at Kilcullen

Colm Lawlor, 54, of Bennekerry, Carlow, was prosecuted at Naas District Court for dangerous driving on the M9 at Blackrath, Kilcullen, on 16 April 2018, after being caught at 167 km/h in a 100 km/h zone while driving a passenger to hospital. Judge Michele Finan reduced the charge to careless driving and indicated the case would be struck out upon a €600 charitable donation.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court6 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatColm Lawlor was prosecuted for dangerous driving on the M9 at Blackrath, Kilcullen, on 16 April 2018. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatGarda Alwyn Howard was conducting a speed checkpoint when he detected a black Audi driving at 167 in a 100 km/h zone. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe defendant had a passenger he was bringing to hospital because of chest pains. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe passenger was the owner of a garage which the defendant called into, and was in an agitated state with palpitations. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Michele Finan reduced the case to careless driving. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge indicated the case would be struck out if the defendant made a charitable donation of €600. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe road was not overly busy at the time of the offence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherA letter confirming the passenger was treated at Naas Hospital was handed into court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had no previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 6 Jan2023
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Driver on hospital mercy mission in court

    Reports the Naas District Court hearing where the judge reduced the dangerous driving charge to careless driving and indicated the case would be struck out if the defendant made a €600 charitable donation.

    accused, Colm Lawlor, 54, male, named, irish (judged from name)Colm Lawlor