A man has been handed a 10-year driving ban for speeding his car the wrong way down the M18 motorway.
For 25 miles, Patrick Cotter of Chrurch St., Bandon, Co. Cork drove against traffic, reaching speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour.
Ennis District Court that Cotter, who has 247 previous convictions and had already been serving a 30-year driving ban, had not taken bipolar medication on the day in question, June 18th last.
On that morning, warnings were broadcast on Clare FM advising of the danger, while the court was told that there were "a number of close calls" with other motorists.
Garda John Reidy was praised in court for his bravery, by keeping up with the accused on his Garda motorcycle until he came to a stop at Crusheen.
Judge Patrick Durcan handed cotter a suspended 10-month prison term and 10-year driving ban for what he called "the worst driving case" he had come across during his time on the bench.
