Turned down chance to take a driver awareness course
Carlow Court House. Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A MOTORIST who told a judge he was already facing disqualification for having too many penalty points turned down the chance to take a driver awareness course that would have capped his fine and was ordered to pay €700 instead.
William Connors (33), The Halting Site, Ryland Upper, Bunclody, Co Wexford appeared before Judge John King at Carlow District Court charged with holding a mobile phone while driving.
The court heard that at 9.48am on 1 April, gardaí stopped Mr Connors on Tullow Road, Carlow after seeing him holding a mobile phone in his right hand while driving. A fixed-charge notice was issued but was not paid.
Mr Connors has 29 previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. Two of these relate to holding a mobile phone while driving. His most recent conviction was in September at Athy District Court, where he was fined €400.
In mitigation, solicitor Tertius Van Eeden said his client has three children and is not currently working. Mr Connors appeared in court wearing work overalls, which Mr Van Eeden said was because he is doing work experience as a roofer.
“Can I say one thing? I’m not disrespecting you, judge,” said Mr Connors.
“You can, of course,” replied Judge King.
Mr Connors told the court that his phone had been in its holder but fell and that he picked it up with his left hand. He nonetheless pleaded guilty to the offence.
Judge King directed that he complete an online driver awareness course, which would limit his fine to €400 if he finished it. However, Mr Connors said he would rather not take the course.
“I have my full licence under two years and am only allowed seven points, but I have 12, so I’m waiting for disqualification,” he said.
“Scrap the course. Convict and fine €700,” said Judge King.
