Refugee fined for scooter offence in Offaly

A REFUGEE from Jordan living in Dun Laoghaire was in a single vehicle accident on a scooter when he visited a friend in Tullamore, Tullamore District Court heard.

Yaman Sueleiman Ahmad Abu Shaqra (24), Eblana Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin pleaded guilty to using an electric scooter fitted with a seat and exceeding the maximum design speed on May 24 last at Church Road, Tullamore.

The pleas were entered by the man's solicitor, Brian Duffy, who explained to Judge Andrew Cody that the accused was an Arabic speaker who had been in court earlier but left.

A third summons of using an electric scooter which exceeded the maximum continuous rated power could be struck out, the prosecuting guard, Garda Pat McGee, told the court.

Garda McGee said the scooter had a seat which “was illegal” and its 600-watt motor would enable it to travel at a speed of 40k/ph.

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Mr Duffy said the scooter belonged to Mr Shaqra's friend who he was visiting and the accused was not aware of its modifications.

Mr Shaqra was a Jordanian with refugee status and he had fled threats in his home country.

He was receiving €35 per week in his accommodation and Mr Duffy asked Judge Cody to take the man's personal circumstances into account when applying a fine, saying that €150 would be the maximum.

Judge Cody said €150 would be the maximum penalty when paying a fixed charge notice but in this case it would be up to €500.

The judge fined Mr Shaqra €200 and also granted him legal aid.