A WOMAN who has appointed herself as custodian of Tuam’s traffic by-laws was brought before the local District Court this week charged with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour towards a member of the public.
As part of her bail conditions she was banned from the centre of Tuam during business hours and forbidden to attempt to police any traffic violations until her case is heard.
Emer Concannon, Coolpark, Tuam is well known around Tuam for challenging recalcitrant parkers and reminding members of the public of their civic responsibility to adhere to the town’s parking by-laws.
She sometimes remonstrates with drivers who illegally park in loading bays, park on double-yellow lines or in a manner which she regards as a danger to the public.
She is now charged with the public order offence of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour towards a female motorist she is alleged to have engaged with on the Dublin Road in the town on September 15 last.
When the charge was put to her before the Court the arresting Garda told Judge James Faughnan that the defendant replied: “I didn’t say anything abusive to her.”
Prosecuting Garda Sgt Christy Brown said he was setting very specific bail conditions for Ms Concannon.
The first is that she stays out of the centre of Tuam between the hours of 10am and 6pm.
The second is that she does not approach any person in relation to parking violations.
Judge Faughnan asked the defendant if she understood and agreed to these conditions.
The defendant replied that she understood and wanted time to consult a solicitor regarding her case.
She was remanded on her own bond of €500, not cash, until the December 8 sitting of Tuam Court.
