Man who tried to avoid Kilkenny garda checkpoint is fined in court
The owner of a vehicle that turned away from a garda check point has appeared before Kilkenny District Court where he has been convicted of being the owner of an uninsured vehicle.
The prosecution arose from an incident of “the blind leading the blind” in the words of the defendant’s solicitor.
Desmond Connors, 2 na Coillte, Bunclody, Co Wexford, pleaded guilty to the charge.
Evidence was heard that on February 27 last a garda check point was located on Main Street, Bennettsbridge.
Garda Damien Rafter said that at 9.08pm he observed a van coming from the direction of the bridge. When the driver of the van saw the checkpoint they stopped on the road and the garda saw the driver and passenger swap seats.
Pulled in
The van had pulled in to a car park. Garda Rafter approached and spoke to the person in the driving seat who was arrested for drink driving.
Mr Connors was in the passenger seat.
Solicitor Ed Hughes said this was a case of “the blind leading the blind.”
One of the men had a few drinks and had “made the responsible decision” not to drive. However, when they saw the garda checkpoint the man realised his friend was not insured.
Mr Connors is 19 and has since gotten rid of the vehicle, the solicitor said. He is anxious to deal with the matter and get his full driving licence.
Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted Mr Connors and imposed a fine of €300.