A Co Clare cleric has apologised for his foul-mouthed outburst towards a garda when stopped for speeding.
At Ennis District Courton Friday, Judge Patrick Durcan banned Church of Ireland Canon Bob Hanna from driving for six months after convicting him of a speeding offence.
Judge Durcan described Canon Hanna's conduct as "despicable" after hearing that Canon Hanna told Garda Lisa McDonagh that he 'did not give a f**k" after being informed he was travelling at 135km/h in a 100km/h zone at Bunratty West on April 17th last.
Canon Hanna told Garda McDonagh that he was on his way to a communion .
Garda McDonagh said Canon Hanna snapped his driver’s licence from her, got into his car and started repeatedly revving his engine.
At this point, Garda McDonagh said that Canon Hanna told her “I’m leaving, chase me if you want.”
Judge Durcan told the court: “Now I know that this man is a Minister of Religion, I am even more appalled.”
The judge imposed a €500 fine on Canon Hanna and by way of ancillary order banned him from driving for six months.
Canon Hanna was not present for the court date and was not legally represented.
In a statement, the Archbishop's Commissary of the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, Archdeacon Wayne Carney said: "I am aware of the court case which resulted in a speeding conviction against Canon Bob Hanna relating to an incident last April.
“I have spoken to Canon Hanna, and he deeply regrets using abusive language to the Garda who stopped him, and wishes to apologise to her for his behaviour.”
“He is also sorry to have missed being present when his case came before the court. As a Diocese, we encourage full respect for the Garda Siochana and the laws they enforce and support them in the important role they carry out.”
