Saturday 31 October 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. 17988Dangerous driving · Co. Offaly · 22 Jul 2023

Motorist fined €500 after crash at Birr filling station

John Byrne, 73, of Birr, Offaly, was charged with dangerous driving after his vehicle went out of control and collided with another at Loughnane's filling station, Circle K, Birr, on 22 July 2023. The defence told Tullamore District Court that a leg spasm caused the crash and that Byrne had spinal surgery the previous November. The charge was reduced to careless driving with the court's agreement, and Judge Andrew Cody imposed a fine of €500 in March 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced7 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A vehicle went out of control and collided with another vehicle at a filling station.
Where
The collision occurred at Loughnane's filling station, Circle K, Birr, Offaly.
When
The collision happened on 22 July 2023.
Cause
The defence said a leg spasm caused the motorist to lose control of his car.
Other details
  • The car was a hybrid electric vehicle that also accelerated during the incident.
  • The defence said Byrne had spinal surgery in November 2022.
Charges
  • John Byrne, 73, of Carrigshona, Rock Lane, Birr, was charged with dangerous driving.
  • The charge was reduced to careless driving with the court's agreement.
In court
The case was heard at Tullamore District Court before Judge Andrew Cody.
Sentence
A fine of €500 was imposed.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatOne vehicle appeared to go out of control and collide with another. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whereThe collision happened at Loughnane's filling station, Circle K, Birr. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenThe collision happened on July 22 of the previous year. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • causeThe court was told a leg spasm caused the motorist to lose control of his car. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused was prosecuted for dangerous driving. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe charge was reduced to careless driving with the court's agreement. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Tullamore District Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a fine of €500. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the accused had spinal surgery the previous November. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 7 Mar2024
    Sentencedoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Court hears leg spasm caused crash involving elderly motorist in Offaly

    Court report: the defence said a leg spasm caused the crash, the charge was reduced to careless driving and a €500 fine was imposed.

    convicted, John Byrne, 73, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Byrne