A STREET hair braider was arrested in Galway city centre for not having a licence to carry out her business. When she appeared in court the Gardaí asked the Judge to make an order for the destruction of her equipment which was seized as part of the prosecution process, and this request was granted by the Judge.
Irlanda Rostos of 5, Corraí An Tsiannaish, Bothar le Chéile appeared before Judge Fiona Lydon at Galway District Court on charges relating to street trading without a licence at Williamsgate Street, Galway on August 17 last.
When she was asked if she understood enough English to follow proceedings, the Court was told Irlanda was born in Ireland and spoke good English.
Defence solr Michael Cunningham pleaded that his client was aware of her responsibilities regarding the need for a trading licence and had gone as far as collecting the relevant documentation for applying for one from the City Council, but the paperwork involved proved too much for her. His client was 25 and had two children. She had no previous convictions.
He assured the Court that his client was now very aware that she couldn’t trade without a licence and was going to get one.
Judge Lydon was told that Gardaí on duty came upon the defendant operating her hair-braiding business on the street and asked her for her trading licence. She admitted she did not have one and was arrested for the offence.
Judge Lydon said that the defendant was obviously aware that she needed a licence but, despite this, she proceeded with trading. For this reason she would not give her the benefit of the Probation Act for this first offence.
She imposed a conviction for the offence and took into account the charge of failing to display a licence. A fine of €200 was imposed.
