Myshall man convicted in his absence

A BENCH warrant was issued for a Myshall man who failed to show up in court and was found guilty in his absence of motoring offences in Carlow District Court last week.

Judge Geraldine Carthy found Michael Cunningham, Ballykeenan, Myshall guilty of driving without insurance or a driving licence and of failing to produce the relevant documents after an incident that occurred at his home address on 3 February.

Arresting officer Garda Liam Mortell told Judge Carthy that he was on duty that day and was exiting the laneway of a private house when Mr Cunningham (44) drove past him. He said he knew Mr Cunningham personally and that he had no doubt it was he who was driving the car. Garda Mortell continued that he followed the defendant to his house, and when he got there a dog of a restricted breed was in the yard. He said he left and went back later with a colleague and demanded to see Mr Cunnigham’s insurance and driving licence.

Garda Mortell said the defendant denied that it was him driving the car earlier, but during their conversation Mr Cunningham had mentioned seeing the patrol car in his rear-view mirror.

Judge Carthy also heard that the defendant had 18 previous convictions and that he had been disqualified from driving for six years. She said she was satisfied that the state had made its case and found Mr Cunningham guilty as charged. She then issued a bench warrant for his arrest so she could sentence him.