Driver in Longford convicted for second time for parking in a disabled space

An able-bodied driver who was caught parked in a disabled bay for a second time has been convicted.

Jozef Makuna of 82 Springlawn, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to the offence on Main Street, Longford on June 18, 2024 at 3pm.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said the defendant was detected by Gardaí parked in a disabled bay at about 3pm.The court heard Makuna had 10 previous convictions, including a previous conviction for parking in a disabled bay handed down on October 18, 2022.

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A fixed charge penalty notice fine was issued but it went unpaid.

Solicitor Frank Gearty addressed Judge Bernadette Owens and said while his client had a previous record he was 'only marginally on the blue section of the disabled bay' on this occasion.

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Mr Gearty described his client as a man who was well known who came from a respected family.

"He apologises for allowing the front of his car to go on to the marked area, he talks about the difficulties of life and he has four children aged between six and 18 years of age," he added.

Mr Gearty said the fine was sent to a previous address and his client would have paid it but he never received it.
Judge Owens decided to convict Makuna and she fined him €300 with six months to pay.