Tipperary motorist to be sentenced following 'head-on' collision near railway bridge

A judge has directed the preparation of a victim impact statement in the case of a Tipperary motorist who crashed into another car while driving on the wrong side of the road.

Jack O'Dwyer, aged 37, of Gurrane, Templederry, appeared before Nenagh District Court to face a charge of dangerous driving which was later reduced to careless driving.

Judge Marie Keane was told the prosecution relates to a two-vehicle collision that occurred close to a railway bridge at Ballygibbon, Nenagh, at around 6pm on December 27, 2024.

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The court was told Mr O’Dwyer was driving one of the vehicles, with his father seated in the front passenger seat, while the other car was occupied by a sole driver.

The "head-on collision" occurred after Mr O’Dwyer crossed over onto the wrong side of the road and struck the other vehicle.

Following the incident, Mr O’Dwyer was arrested by Garda Alan Rattigan on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Garda Rattigan told the court that Mr O’Dwyer subsequently provided a blood specimen at Nenagh garda station, which confirmed a blood alcohol level of 220mg/100ml - significantly above the legal limit.

After pleading guilty to the lesser charge of careless driving, Mr O’Dwyer was informed that a conviction for that offence can carry a driving disqualification of up to three years.

The court heard that Mr O’Dwyer, who works as a contractor, was fully insured at the time of the collision and had been suffering from mental health issues.

It was further outlined that he has "sought help" and has been attending AA meetings since the incident and is currently living at home with his parents.

The court was told that the driver of the other vehicle wished to make a victim impact statement in regards to the proceedings, but that this was "subject to the court".

Judge Keane adjourned the matter until February 20 for sentencing and to allow for the submission of a victim impact statement from the other driver.