A Newry man who drove his car off the road towards the entrance of Daisy Hill Hospital after being spat at has been cleared of dangerous driving.
Kenneth Martin Havern (42), of Damolly Village, appeared before Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to contest a dangerous driving charge which allegedly occurred on May 29.
While the details of the case were not outlined, District Judge Eamon King said the issue was whether the offence was “dangerous” or simply “high-end careless”.
“I have had the opportunity to view the footage that was captured in relation to this incident,” Judge King explained.
“That [footage] shows a confrontation between a driver of a vehicle, who is Mr Havern, and some other unknown individual outside Daisy Hill Hospital.
“The impression I have from viewing the CCTV is that the other person spits at Mr Havern and then walks back into the hospital, and subsequent to that, Mr Havern drives his vehicle off the road up towards the entrance to the hospital.”
However, the judge said he was not satisfied as to “the intent”, adding that “the pace at which he drives the vehicle is pedestrian”.
He continued: “It’s certainly nothing to be condoned, but I’m not satisfied that he should be convicted of dangerous driving — certainly high-end careless.
“The whole incident only happened because he was spat at.”
For careless driving, Havern was fined £250, along with a £15 offender levy and eight penalty points.
