A drug driver who fled the scene of a collision in Salthill was followed by another driver who then witnessed him rear-end another vehicle, before coming to a halt.
This was the scenario outlined to Judge Adrian Harris at Galway District Court this week when Nikita Petrov, Tullamore, Co Offaly, appeared before him charged with drug driving and hit & run.
Garda Sgt Clare Heneghan (prosecuting ) outlined the facts. On January 1, 2022, the defendant was driving in Salthill when he collided with another car and fled the scene. The driver of the car he hit, followed him and saw him rear-end another car and coming to a stop. The Gardaí were called and the defendant was arrested. A blood analysis showed he was under the influence of cannabis.
He had five previous convictions from Tullamore Court, including one for cannabis possession, criminal damage and public order.
Garry McDonald BL (defending ) said his client was holding his hand up to the offences. His client had been insured and all the injured parties had been compensated for the damage caused. This was in the region of €1,000.
On the drug driving charge, a fine of €700 was imposed. On the hit and run, a fine of €750 and a two-month driving ban were imposed.
This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán.
