A driver caught speeding by a detector van told a Judge that he couldn’t pay the fixed charge fine sent in the post because “the dog ate it”.
David Coleman from Dublin was detected doing 122kph in a 100kph zone on the N17. He told the Court that he accepted he was speeding and would have paid the fine, but the dog ate it.
Judge James Faughnan said it was as good an excuse as any, but it was refreshing to have someone come into Court and admit what they had done.
“The Court always rewards honesty,” the Judge said, and asked the defendant if he had €250 on him. Coleman, who had travelled from Dublin to attend Court, said he hadn’t but if he could go to the ATM he would get it.
The Judge asked Garda Sgt Christy Browne to nominate a suitable charity in Tuam, and he nominated Treo Nua, a youth diversion project run by Youth Work Ireland.
When the defendant returned with the €250 donation the speeding charge was struck out by the Judge, and no penalty points will apply.
Judge Faughnan wished Coleman a safe journey home to Dublin.
This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán.
