Jail for man who drove from Derry to Kerry to buy puppies

A MAN has been given a four week prison sentence after breaching Covid-19 travel restrictions by driving over 450km from Derry to Kerry just to buy two puppies.

The 36-year old is now appealing the prison sentence imposed by Judge David Waters at Tralee District Court last Thursday.

He pleaded guilty before Judge Waters to a breach of the Health Act, 1947 - Covid 19 Emergency Measures Section 10, 2020. The charge followed an incident where Gardaí on a routine Operation Fanacht checkpoint stopped a vehicle at

Dooneen outside Castleisland last Thursday, April 16. The vehicle was stopped at 9.45am and officers inquired as to the purpose of the motorist’s trip.

Under emergency regulations introduced by the Oireachtas, only essential workers are allowed travel while everyone else is asked to comply with a 2km travel zone around their homes. The only trips permitted outside the 2km limit are for medical reasons, food shopping or essential care of an elderly person.

It was stated the defendant was in Kerry as part of his work for a security firm but he was unable to produce photographic identification to prove this. Gardaí determined that his visit was not an essential journey and he was instructed to immediately return to Derry. Gardaí watched the vehicle depart the scene using the Castleisland by-pass.

A description of the vehicle was issued and the car was stopped a second time at Scart Cross between Farranfore and Killarney

The defendant, when stopped, informed officers he was in Kerry to purchase two puppies and pleaded to be allowed to continue his journey as he was so close to his final destination.

Gardaí later checked with the individual apparently selling the puppies and they confirmed this but stressed they had informed the defendant not to undertake the journey .

The man was arrested and brought to Tralee Garda Station. He was later charged and brought to court where he pleaded guilty and Judge Waters imposed a four week prison sentence. However, an appeal was immediately lodged via a recognisance of €90 and he was released pending the hearing of his appeal.