Motorist who failed to show up in court is fined and banned from driving

PREVIOUS convictions and his absence from court counted against Patrick Connors (23) 12 The Maudlins, New Ross when motoring summonses were considered by Judge Bernadette Owens.

The District Court was told how Connors’s VW Transporter was inspected at Upper Mary Street in New Ross last August after Garda Sean O’Neill noted that the driver was on the phone.

The defendant denied handling his mobile at the time and did not have his driving licence to hand to show the garda.

His motor tax on the 161 Dublin registered Volkswagen had expired.

A list of previous convictions for motoring offences including use of a phone, failure to display L plates and not using a safety belt was read out to the court.

Judge Owens went ahead after ruling that the absent accused had been properly notified of the proceedings.

She fined Connors €250 for driving without a licence, €400 for failure to exhibit a valid tax disc, and €500 for the mobile phone offence with a one year disqualification.