Nenagh sulky race follower fined for breaching Covid-19 travel restrictions

A man who attended a sulky race outside Nenagh broke the Covid-19 travel restrictions, Nenagh District Court heard.

Jason Faulkner, 30, of 6 Longpavement, Watchhouse Cross, Limerick, pleaded to the offence at Ballywilliam on March 6, 2021.

Sergeant Regina McCarthy said gardaí responded to a call in relation to the staging of a sulky race in Ballywilliam at 8am on March 6, 2021.

The defendant was one of a number of people in a car parked on the hard shoulder of the road, an0d he admitted to being outside the 5km limit from his home.

This was a breach of the “movement of persons” provision under the Health Act.

He had previously breached the same act on two occasions, said Sgt McCarthy.

She told the court that Mr Faulkner had been issued with an on-the-spot fine in relation to the breach in Ballywilliam but had failed to pay it.

The court heard the defendant, who is in custody and appeared via video link, had 84 previous convictions.

Defending solicitor Elizabeth McKeever said the Covid restrictions were difficult for everyone, but some members of the community found it more difficult than others.

Mr Faulkner had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, she said.

Judge Alan Mitchell noting the two previous breaches, imposed a fine of €250, or three days in prison in default of payment.