A senior Clare Garda has told a court that an undercover operation targeting so-called boy racers in the North Clare area "hasn't quelled the problem any bit."
An undercover Garda posed as a boy-racer at a late night cruise which involved 70 cars and took place in the Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, Doolin and Corkscrewhill on the night of March 7th and 8th last.
Insepctor John Ryan told the court that residents in the area were "in fear of their lives", due to what Judge Tom O'Donnell described as "outrageous and appalling" behaviour by some of those taking part.
In total, seven Clare individuals pleaded guilty to offences arising out of the rally.
They were Wayne Danaher (19) of Snipe Lodge, Knockagulla, Lisdoonvarna; Jennifer Cannavan (20) of Derrymore, Lahinch; Shaun Larkin (27) of Inis Carraig, Ennis, Sean Keane (19) of Ballyhannon, Quin, Rory Downes (21) Clonakilla, Kilmilhil, Gabriel Weck (20) of Bealcragga, Connolly and Kevin Baker (18) of Finntra, Miltown Malbay.
Danaher and Canavan pleaded guilty to public order offences, while the others admitted careless driving.
Judge O'Donnell overturned their driving bans yesterday, after taking the defendants' guilty pleas into account, and their lack of previous convictions.
