A judge asked why a tradesman was not working when his case came before Tuam District Court. Judge James Faughnan was told the father of six before him was a plasterer by trade, but was not currently working.
The judge commented that he thought there was plenty of work for tradesmen if they wanted it now.
The court heard that Michael Lawrence, 43 Parkmore, Tuam, was turning off the N83 into the Anbally Inn when he moved into the path of an oncoming vehicle and caused a collision. There were minor injuries.
Danny McGrath, solicitor (defending ) pleaded that the accident occurred on a dark January evening. There is a bad bend at the Anbally Inn and his client was concerned about stopping on the busy road to make his turn. He took a chance, misjudged the manoeuvre and this resulted in the collision.
He pleaded for the court to reduce the charge from one of dangerous driving to careless driving.
After enquiring as to why a plasterer wasn’t working at a time when there was full employment and work for everyone with a trade, the judge acceded to the defence request and reduced the charge to careless driving and imposed a fine of €350.
