Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes appears in Cork court charged with dangerous driving

Five-time All-Ireland winning hurler for Limerick and four-time All Star, Kyle Hayes has appeared in the district court charged with one count of dangerous driving.

Mr Hayes, 26, of Ballyahsea, Kildimo, Co. Limerick appeared before Judge Colm Roberts at Mallow District Court.

It is alleged that Mr Hayes was recorded on the main N20 Cork to Limerick near Mallow on Sunday, July 14 driving at 150 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. 

He was arrested and taken to Mallow garda station where he was charged with the offence contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and was released on station bail.

Court presenter Sergeant Linda O’Leary said that directions were still awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Mr Hayes’ barrister Liam Carroll acting for solicitor Sarah Ryan indicated to the court that there would be a willingness on the part of Mr Hayes to enter a plea to the lesser charge of careless driving.

Judge Colm Roberts said: “This is the trick that goes around, with a summary of the facts. I want to hear all of the facts and make up my mind. I have a strong view of what is dangerous driving. I can only hear an application to bring it down to careless driving once I’ve heard the full facts. I’ve been stung by this before, the tolerance for dangerous driving is now much less so than it used to be.” 

Judge Roberts remanded Mr Hayes on continuing bail to appear before the court again on September 10 to await directions.