Laois Judge says defendant must think he is an eejit

A driving ban was handed down to a “menace on the road” who was “using google maps” on his phone. 

Robert Matieska (35) with an address at Flat 2, Ryans Flats, Rosemary Street, Roscrea,  Co Tipperary was accused of using a phone while driving on the Portlaoise Road in Mountrath on May 15, 2024. 

A sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told the man, who has 26 previous convictions,  was observed driving a silver 151 registered Ford Mondeo while holding a phone. A fine was issued but went unpaid.  

Andrew Dunne BL said his client “instructs me that he was using google maps” on the date in question. 

Judge Andrew Cody said he recognised the defendant. 

“The man is a menace on the road. This man was convicted of driving at 230km per hour in Borris-in-Ossory,” he recalled. He said that case was three months ago and he asked what the man worked at. 

Mr Dunne said that the previous speeding matter was now under appeal. He said his client is not working at present.

“This client thinks I am some kind of an eejit,” said Judge Cody.  

He said the man had told him that he ran three businesses, employed seven people and earned around €1,000 a week when he appeared before Portlaoise District Court three months earlier. 

“He tells me there was an issue with regards to the tanning salon that is now closed,” said Mr Dunne. He said the car washes were not operating either.  

Judge Cody said the man “must think I am stupid”. He said the man had an appalling record. He fined him €1,000 and disqualified him from driving for two years and fixed recognisance in case of appeal.