Unpaid Laois parking fines could lead to three years in jail in default
Man said he was unable to get a parking permit in Portlaoise
A man who amassed around 280 parking fines was told the penalty on default equates to three years in prison.
Laois Barastas, Flat 57, Main Street, Portlaoise appeared before Portlaoise District Court in relation to the fines.
Judge Andrew Cody said he believed there were around 280 fines which would equate lengthy prison time.
“It is three years and three months in prison if he is to serve a sentence on each fine,” he said.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the matter had previously been adjourned to assess the defendant’s suitability for community service.
Judge Cody said an issue had arisen as regards the man’s mental health and in the meantime there was “not a sign of a fine being paid.”
Ms Fitzpatrick said her client was on a waiting list to be assessed by the HSE as part of the report. She said the fines dated back to 2018.
She said they all related to parking in one particular area where the man had lived but had been unable to obtain a parking permit.
“Community service might be the appropriate remedy,” she suggested.
“There is nothing before the court of any other nature apart from parking,” she said.
Judge Cody said the defendant has had four months to produce a community service report.
Ms Fitzpatrick said it was not the defendant’s fault that he was on a waiting list with the HSE.
Judge Cody remanded the man on bail to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on September 5, 2024 for community service assessment of suitability.