Court hears woman involved in south Longford collision has since moved to Australia

The 24-year-old uninsured motorist, who left the scene after crashing the vehicle she was driving

A 24-year-old uninsured motorist, who left the scene after crashing the vehicle she was driving and was subsequently tracked down by Gardaí, has been fined.

Sinead Níc Eoin of 164 Avondale Drive, Trim, county Meath was not present at Longford District Court and her solicitor James Murphy informed Judge Bernadette Owens she had moved to Australia.

Mr Murphy stated that his client, who had a learner permit, had instructed him to plead guilty to driving without insurance.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said gardai were alerted that a single vehicle collision had occurred at Barnacor, Lanesboro at 3.30am on October 23, 2023.

Officers went to the scene but there was nobody there.

Gardaí carried out a registration check and went to the home of the registered owner where they made a lawful demand to be told who was behind the wheel.

The registered owner stated her daughter Sinead Níc Eoin was the driver.

A demand was made by officers to the defendant to produce her insurance within 10 days at a garda station of her choice, however, she failed to do so.

Ms Níc Eoin had one previous conviction.

Mr Murphy, defending, said the defendant had a difficult background and she had been negatively influenced by another person who is currently in prison, from the age of 16.

“She has now moved to Australia with her brother where a better future awaits her,” she said. “But she did go through a period of offending despite interventions by her parents, she rebelled against all types of authority and unfortunately she finds herself in the system.”

Judge Owens noted there were difficult circumstances and she imposed a €400 fine with four months to pay.