Fined €200 for holding phone

A 38-year-old man who has 45 previous convicitions has been fined for holding his phone while driving.

Sligo District Court heard that on April 21st, 2018, Garda Emma Logue was on foot patrol on O’Connell Street where she saw Martin Joseph Sweeney of 3, Mulberry Park, Sligo, holding a mobile phone while driving.

Garda Logue spoke with Sweeney in relation to the offence and informed him that she was issuing him with a Fixed Charge Penalty notice. It was outlined to the court that the fine was issued to Sweeney thereafter and was not paid to date.

It was heard that Sweeney had 45 previous convictions. Judge Kevin Kilrane issued a fine of €200 for the non payment.

Meanwhile, a 39-year-old man appeared in court for the cultivation of cannabis plants.

Andrzej Dudziak of 18, Mailcoach Rd was allegedly growing cannabis plants at his home on August 21 last. The matter was put back to February 28th next.