The driver of a tractor which was involved in a collision in Co. Longford two years ago has been convicted in the district court but has avoided a driving ban.

The tractor driver was towing a car at the time of the incident, which then veered into a parked car causing damage.

Luan Russell of Ballinalone, Drumraney, Athlone, Co. Westmeath appeared before Longford District Court this week where he pleaded guilty to careless driving at Creevaghrua, Creevaghbeg, Co. Longford.

Garda Sgt. Enda Daly said gardaí received a report on January 3, 2024 that a tractor was trying to tow a car through the area.

According to the sergeant, the car had been towed but it collided with a parked car and the driver of the tractor left the scene along with two other males who had been trying to navigate this particular vehicle as it was being towed.

Sgt. Daly told the court that gardaí observed a white Audi registration plate which had crashed into the passenger side of the damaged vehicle.

Judge Vincent Deane commented: "I take it this didn't happen at speed" to which Sgt. Daly confirmed that it did not.

Court decision

The court heard that Luan Russell had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor David Nohilly told the court that the damage to the parked vehicle had been compensated.

The solicitor explained that his client was driving the tractor and towing a car into the housing estate on the day in question.

The car then veered sideways and impacted the parked vehicle and the solicitor confirmed that the tractor driver was 17 years-of-age at the time.

"He is farming a substantial farm and in that regard I would hope, Judge, that you would use your discretion and not disqualify," the solicitor said.

Judge Deane said he was within his rights to disqualify, but he decided not to impose a driving ban and instead handed down a €400 fine with six months to pay.