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. 18379Careless driving · Co. Laois · 29 Jan 2023

Two drivers accused of careless driving after Portlaoise crash

Luke Dignam, 26, of Clara, Co Offaly, and Aivaras Gruodis, 32, of Clonroosk Abbey, Portlaoise, were involved in a crash on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise, Co Laois, on 29 January 2023. Both men are accused of careless driving, and Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it would be alleged that there was a traffic accident and that both drivers were at fault. The case was reported in court on 8 February 2024, when Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court to 15 February 2024. The latest development in the sources is that adjournment, and no later outcome has been reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court7 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Two motorists who crashed in Portlaoise face court over the incident.
Where
The crash happened on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise, Co Laois.
When
The incident happened on 29 January 2023, described as last year in a February 2024 article.
Cause
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it would be alleged that there was a traffic accident and that both drivers were at fault.
Charges
  • Luke Dignam, 26, of Clara, Co Offaly, is accused of careless driving.
  • Aivaras Gruodis, 32, of Clonroosk Abbey, Portlaoise, is accused of careless driving.
In court
  • The first court report on the case was published on 8 February 2024.
  • Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court to 15 February 2024.
Sentence
No sentence has been reported in the sources.
6 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatTwo motorists who crashed in Portlaoise face court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe crash happened on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on 29 January, last year. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeGardaí say the incident was a traffic accident and that both drivers were at fault. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeBoth men are accused of careless driving. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on February 15. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 7 Feb2024
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Portlaoise crash drivers facing court

    First court report of the case. The year 2023 is inferred from 'January 29 last year' in an article published in February 2024. The case was adjourned to 15 February 2024.

    accused, Luke Dignam, 26, named, irish (judged from name)Luke Dignamaccused, Aivaras Gruodis, 32, named, non-irish (judged from name)Aivaras Gruodis