Offaly woman warned she could lose custody of her child if she doesn't 'mend her ways'

A woman was warned, at last week's Tullamore District Court sitting, that if she continues on the road she is on she could be in danger of losing custody of her child.

Sylvia Smagar, Killane Court, Edenderry, had 14 previous convictions when she appeared at last week's district court.

Ms Smagar had been stopped by Garda David Feighery at the above address on April 1, 2024 she was driving while disqualified, she had no insurance or driving licence. Her car was seized by gardai.

Her previous convictions were all road related, including driving without a licence or insurance, bald tyres, failure to produce insurance, and she had previously been disqualified from driving.

Barrister David Nugent said his client had paid dearly for her offences.

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An attempt by Ms Smagar to speak about her child was interrupted by Judge Andrew Cody who said “don't give me the sick child routine.” He said he heard it every week.

He said she was driving while disqualified and added that if she doesn't stop she will lose custody of her child.

For the offence of driving without insurance he fined her €750. He imposed a four month prison sentence which he suspended for three years. He disqualified her from driving for eight years.

For driving without a licence he fined her €250 and disqualified her from driving for eight years.

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