Offaly man travelled from Australia for court hearing in Laois

A man who returned from Australia for a court case may escape a driving ban if he produces insurance documents. 

John Murphy, 22, with an address at 17 Mountrath Street, Kilcormac, Offaly admitted having no insurance on the Vicarstown Road, Stradbally on September 3 last year. 

Solicitor Josphine Fitzpatrick explained that her client had borrowed his friend's car on that date to travel to  Electric Picnic. The defendant believed his own insurance covered him on the day in question, she said. 

“He comes the whole way from Australia to deal with it,” she told Judge Cody. 

She said his own vehicle was in for a service and he had a policy of insurance on that car. 

Ms Fitzpatrick explained that her client drives machinery for a living. She had references from people he worked for and said his parents were in court to support him. 

Judge Andrew Cody said he wouldn’t disqualify the man from driving, subject to him paying a fine of €400 and producing proof of insurance for the other car on that date. 

The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on April 13 in order for documentary proof to be produced.