Longford judge gives new garda recruit warm welcome

Garda Rachel Dillon was giving evidence in a case taken by her against John Igoe, Killeter, Killoe, Longford at Deanscurragh, Longford on September 25 2018.

Mr Igoe was prosecuted under Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 for having no insurance and for failing to produce a certificate of insurance within ten days.

As she sat into the witness box, Judge Hughes asked Garda Dillon how often had she been in a courtroom since graduating.
She replied, stating it was her very first time of carrying out any sort of formal court duties following her ‘passing out’ from Templemore.

It was an admission which brought with it plenty of humour after defence solicitor Brid Mimnagh added: “It’s my client’s first (appearance in court) as well.”

As proceedings returned to some semblance of normality, Ms Mimnagh said Mr Igoe had inadvertently believed he had been covered to drive on the day of the incident.

“He took his mother’s car and thought he was insured to get groceries,” she said.

Judge Hughes fined Mr Igoe €250, giving him three months to pay.

The second Section 69 failing to produce charge was struck out.