Uninsured driver tested positive for cocaine, morphine, codeine, and alcohol after garda chase around Cork
The man committed ten separate offences of dangerous driving in the course being pursued by gardaí in and around Cork city.
An uninsured motorist who tested positive for cocaine, morphine, codeine, and alcohol drove away from gardaí and committed ten separate offences of dangerous driving in the course of an escapade in and around Cork city.
John Forde, aged 40, of 18 Park Lawn, Parklands, Cork, will be sentenced on June 6 on the multiple counts against him at Cork District Court.
Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned sentencing until next month when it emerged that a victim impact statement is to be prepared in another Road Traffic Act case to which the accused also pleaded guilty.
Sergeant Dave Delea gave an outline of the two incidents involving John Forde.
On November 12, 2022, there were ten counts of dangerous driving, as well as drink driving, no insurance, and related counts. The incident began when Sergeant Liam Lingane and Det Garda Gary Purtill saw a car being driven at speed and they activated the blue lights of their patrol car. But instead of stopping, Mr Forde increased speed and drove towards them and engaged in driving that saw him commit ten separate offences of dangerous driving.
He failed to stop at the junction of Parklands Drive and Geary’s Boreen.
He took the right-hand bend on the incorrect side of the road and, at the major junction with the Mallow Road, he failed to stop at a red light.
Several cars were passed on the inside on the hard shoulder area. Then without indication he suddenly turned on to the Kiln Road.
The vehicle was seen swerving from side to side on this country road.
The car was driven without yielding at the Rathpeacon Road/ Rocky Road junction.
He also drove through Sluggera Cross without yielding.
He drove out in front of traffic on the N20.
Also on this national primary road, he passed cars on the inside by driving on the hard shoulder.
He drove off at the slip road to Killens and failed to yield to traffic which had the right of way on Rathpeacon Road where he also drove onto the wrong side of the road.
Finally, at Kilmona, Grenagh, Couty Cork, John Forde failed to take a left bend due to his speed and the car spun across the road, flipped over, and ended up in the ditch.
Corona beer bottles — opened and unopened — were found scattered around the car after the incident.
The second incident occurred on January 24, 2023, when a van owned by Mr Forde and driven by a second man crashed into the back of a car at Douglas Road.
