Six-month driving ban and fine imposed at Tullamore District Court for mobile phone offence

A six-month ban from driving was imposed on a man in his absence at Tullamore District Court.

Judge Andrew Cody was told that John Paul O'Brien (39), Feale Drive, Listowel, who was summonsed for allegedly holding a mobile phone while driving, had contacted the court seeking an adjournment.

Judge Cody ordered that the prosecution go ahead and Garda Martin Murray told the court that on June 11 last year at The Square, Kilbeggan he saw a driver holding a mobile phone in his right hand when he was coming from the Athlone direction.

A fixed charge penalty notice had been issued but it was not paid, added Garda Murray.

The garda also told the court that Mr O'Brien had a number of previous convictions, including two for holding mobile phones while driving.

One of those convictions was in Tralee District Court and the other was in Newcastle West.

In addition to the disqualification Judge Cody imposed a fine of €750.