Unaccompanied Offaly learner driver (33) had 56 previous convictions

A THIRTY-three-year-old learner driver with 56 previous convictions was fined €500 for driving without being accompanied by a qualified driver.

At Tullamore District Court, solicitor Patrick Martin appeared for Maurice Patrick Kiernan, 22 Killane Drive, Edenderry and entered a plea of guilty to committing the offence at Fr McWey Street in Edenderry on November 14 last.

Explaining why Mr Kiernan was not in court when the summons was called, Mr Martin said he had been present all day but then had to leave for family reasons.

Sergeant Richard Thornton told Judge Andrew Cody the man had 56 previous convictions, including one for assault causing harm, five for drug possession, one for theft, one for intimidation of a witness, convictions for public order offences plus a conviction for violent disorder.

Penalties previously imposed on him included fines and a four-year suspended sentence.

Mr Martin said his client was not working and had mental health issues.

Judge Cody gave Mr Kiernan six months to pay the fine.

(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)