Disqualified Longford driver 'was panicking' when caught driving while using mobile phone
The Longford man was observed by Gardaí driving in Mohill while using a mobile phone and he failed to stop at a stop sign
A 28-year-old man currently serving a prison sentence was fined after pleading guilty to road traffic offences at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on February 24. Martin McDonald (28), of 114 McEoin Park, Longford, appeared before the court via video link.
The court heard he is currently serving a sentence in prison.
Garda Sean Murphy from Carrigallen Garda Station told the court that Mr McDonald was observed driving in Mohill while using a mobile phone and failing to stop at a stop sign. He was subsequently stopped and charged.
The court heard that Mr McDonald had 14 previous convictions and was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident.
Mr McDonald had no solicitor and, when asked for his plea, pleaded guilty.
Addressing the court, he said: “I was on the way home and my child fell and that’s why I was panicking, judge.”
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham noted the defendant’s record and the fact that he was already serving a prison sentence.
The judge imposed a fine of €250 in relation to the Section 51A offence, with five days’ imprisonment in lieu of payment, and a further fine of €250 for the mobile phone offence.