# Sentenced for dangerous driving and unaccompanied driving in Clara, Offaly

Case 39030. Dangerous driving and driving unaccompanied (provisional licence holder), Co. Offaly, 2025-09-29

**TL;DR:** Graham Newman, 34, was stopped at a checkpoint on Ballycumber Road, Clara on 29 September 2025 and then left at speed towards Erry Mill while driving unaccompanied on a provisional licence. Gardai later called to the address of the registered owner of a 2008 Longford-registered vehicle, where Newman admitted he was an unaccompanied driver and that he had panicked. He was charged with dangerous driving, driving unaccompanied, a second count of dangerous driving, and allegedly failing to provide a breath specimen. Pleas of guilty to one count of dangerous driving and to driving unaccompanied were entered at Tullamore District Court, where Judge Andrew Gubbins imposed a two-year driving ban and a €500 fine with 12 months to pay.

**Stage:** Sentenced. Reported stages: Sentenced (2026-11-11)

## People

- Suspect: Graham Newman, man, 34

## Key facts

**What happened**

- Graham Newman, 34, was stopped at a checkpoint on Ballycumber Road, Clara on 29 September 2025 and then left at speed towards Erry Mill.
- He was driving unaccompanied while holding a provisional licence.
- Gardai called to the address of the registered owner of a 2008 Longford-registered vehicle and spoke to Newman, who admitted he was an unaccompanied driver and that he had panicked.

**Charges**

- He was charged with one count of dangerous driving, driving unaccompanied, a second count of dangerous driving, and allegedly failing or refusing to provide a breath specimen.

**In court**

- Pleas of guilty to one count of dangerous driving and to driving unaccompanied were entered at Tullamore District Court.

**Sentence**

- Judge Andrew Gubbins imposed a two-year driving ban and a €500 fine with 12 months to pay.

**Other details**

- Newman is in good employment as a social care worker.
- There had been no incidents involving Newman since the offence.

## Reports (1)

| Date | Outlet | Report |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-11-11 | offalyexpress.ie | [Two-year road ban for unaccompanied Offaly driver who 'panicked'](https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/crime-courts/two-year-road-ban-for-unaccompanied-offaly-driver-who-panicked-9342944) |


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This page is put together automatically from the reports listed above. A charge is not a conviction. If something here is wrong or out of date, [report it](https://irelandcrime.com/report?case=39030).


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