Portlaoise Court: Jailed for not paying fines
The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. File image
A MAN who failed to pay outstanding fines that were imposed on him seven years ago was jailed for 15 days, when he came before Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court.
When Judge Cody asked defendant Matthew McHugh from The Heath, Portlaoise how much he had brought to court, he replied: “I don’t have the €700.”
“These fines go back seven years and you haven’t paid a sausage. When are you going to pay?” asked the judge.
“To be honest,” said Mr McHugh, “I don’t know. I’m only after starting back to work.”
“Are you prepared to go to prison?” asked Judge Cody, to which Mr McHugh replied: “I don’t know. I don’t have the €700. I’ll pay it as soon as I can.”
“When will that be?” the judge asked.
“I don’t know,” Mr McHugh replied.
Judge Cody told him: “You’re facing 15 days in prison. Is that what you want?”
Mr McHugh said: “It is what it is.”
Judge Cody went on to sentence the defendant to 15 days in prison for non-payment of the fines.
The offences for which fines were imposed were not indicated in court.
