A DISTRICT court judge told a Kinsale motorist that overtaking on a road is an ‘inherently dangerous manoeuvre’ and that she didn’t have ‘adequate sight distance’ when she attempted it.

Judge Joanne Carroll made the comment when dealing with the case of Anna Hosford of Alavon, Sandyford, Kinsale at a recent sitting of Bandon District Court.

She had pleaded guilty to careless driving on the R606 at Knocknacurra, Kinsale.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy told the court that at 12.41pm on May 10th last a motorist reported that while he was driving around a bend a red car came towards him on his side of the road.

‘He had to brake hard and it was driving against him after taking over a cyclist. He said the car was driving too fast and one cannot see around the bend,’ said Sgt Mulcahy.

‘She made a caution statement and apologised for any distress caused. The cyclist made no complaint to gardaí and the accused has no previous convictions.’

Defence solicitor Myra Dinneen said her client, who works full-time, made a decision to overtake the cyclist.

‘She nipped out but miscalculated it and she’s very apologetic,’ said Ms Dinneen.

Judge Carroll said: ‘Overtaking is an inherently dangerous manoeuvre and she didn’t have adequate sight distance.’

She convicted and fined her €200 and gave her four months to pay the fine.