Unaccompanied Tipperary learner driver had been out looking for his missing dog
A learner driver who was not accompanied in his vehicle by a qualified driver had been out looking for his lost dog, before Judge Elizabeth MacGrath was told at Nenagh District Court.
The court heard that a garda was travelling in his private car on December 11, 2020, a vehicle being driven by Mark Monahan of 93 Kennedy Park, Roscrea, overtook him at speed on the N62.
The garda subsequently pulled in to interview the defendant when he saw his car parked in the townland of Lismakin, outside the local national school, the court was told.
Mr Monahan was the holder of a learner driver’s permit and had no L plates displayed. The NCT disc had expired since the previous June.
The court was also told of separate incidents, including one at The Mall, Roscrea, on September 8, 2021, when he was spotted holding a mobile phone while driving.
He then struck a kerb on the side of the road on parking after failing to engage his handbrake.
He was also found with €20 worth of cannabis for his own personal use.
On May 7, 2021, Mr Monahan was found in possession of €10 worth of cannabis for his own personal use at Parkmore, Roscrea.
He had a total of nine previous convictions, including convictions that were drug related and under the Road Traffic Act.
His solicitor, Pat Liston, said that on the date Mr Monahan encountered the garda at Lismakin he had been out driving around in search of his dog that had gone missing.
He accepted he was not accompanied by a qualified driver.
He also accepted that he drove carelessly at The Mall, Roscrea, and that it was an oversight that he had not engaged his handbrake.
He said Mr Monahan admitted he had a problem with cannabis and was trying to address that issue.
Mr Liston said the defendant was unemployed but used to work as a horse trainer.
Judge MacGrath imposed a fine of €160 for driving while unaccompanied by a qualified driver.
She imposed a fine of €250 for careless driving and a total of €200 on the two drug possession charges.
Recognizances of €250 were fixed in the event of an appeal.