Driver could have got fifteen penalty points

A driver had three children in her car without seat belts on, Judge Kevin Kilrane was told at Sligo District Court.

Sergeant Gerard Murphy told the court that he stopped Bridget Ward of 5 Crossroads, Cloonkeevy, Ballymote at Ballinacarrow. Two children under the age of 17 had not seat belts on while a third child, who was under three years of age, also had no seat belt on. The car was also not taxed.

Mr Tom MacSharry, solicitor (defending) said the defendant was now driving a bigger car which was fully taxed and which was fitted with the necessary set belts and restraints. Sgt Murphy agreed that this was the case. Judge Kilrane noted that if he imposed convictions on the seat belt offences the defendant would receive fifteen penalty points. He said he would strike out these offences. He imposed a fine of €200 on the tax offence.

At the same court, Ellie Ward of Parklands Crescent, Tubbercurry was fined €150 for double parking at Lord Edward Street, Ballymote on March 8th last. A ticket went unpaid. Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor (defending) said the defendant was the mother of eleven children.