Five-time All-Ireland winning hurler Kyle Hayes has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving.
The 26-year-old from Ballyashea, Kildimo, County Limerick, was arrested in County Cork on the 14th of this month.
Junior Counsel Liam Carroll told the court Kyle Hayes was willing to enter a plea to careless driving.
Judge Colm Roberts said he is aware of a practice around the country where some people try to reduce dangerous driving charges to careless driving and said he has a ‘strong view’ on what he considers dangerous.
He noted that he had been ‘stung’ by the practice in the past, saying, ‘Once bitten, twice shy.’
He said no decision on the application will be made until he hears the evidence.
Judge Roberts said he understood the practice developed for good reason but said tolerance for dangerous driving is lower now.
No evidence was given about the alleged offence in court and Kyle Hayes did not speak during the brief hearing.
The matter will be before the court again for DPP directions on the 10th of September.
Main image shows Kyle Hayes at a homecoming for Limerick’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship-winning team, 24-07-2023. Image: Karlis Dzjamko / Alamy
