Laois motorist told she was ‘lucky not to be disqualified’
Image for illustration purposes
A PORTLAOISE woman was told that she was lucky not to be disqualified from driving when she came before the local district court for failing to remain at the scene of a collision.
Sharon Duffy from 3 Harpur’s Crescent, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene of a collision on 1 December at Green Mill Lane, Portlaoise.
Garda sgt JJ Kirby said that at 6.30pm that evening, gardaí received a call about a two-car collision, one which failed to remain at the scene.
He said that when gardaí traced the car, they called to the house where Ms Duffy contested that damage had been caused to the other car and said both drivers were to blame, but her insurance company had covered the damage to the other car that amounted to €1,200.
Ms Duffy’s solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that her client “appreciates she had tipped off the other car, but the damage was slight. They glanced off each other driving in opposite directions.” Sgt Kirby said the defendant had no previous convictions.
Judge Andrew Cody convicted Ms Duffy of the offence and fined her €500, adding: “You’re lucky not to be disqualified.” He went on to grant free legal aid in the case.
