Motorist in the Midlands receives driving ban for parking in disabled parking bay

A driving ban has been handed out to a man in the Midlands who parked in a disabled bay without a permit. 

Joe Jacob, 62, of 26 Ballindine, Abbeyleix admitted parking in a disabled bay on Main Street in Portlaoise on April 3, 2022.

Garda Ashling O’Boyle said the defendant had been issued a ticket which went unpaid. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client would say he was picking up a friend of a friend who  suffers with a disability on the day in question.

Mr Meagher described his client as a vulnerable adult and said he realises that he should have taken more care. 

Judge Andrew Cody said disabled bays were a lifeline for wheelchair users and those with disabilities. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had 11 previous convictions for road traffic offences including one for parking in a disabled bay.

“It is one thing that really annoys the hell out of me,” said Judge Cody. 

“He has to learn to respect parking spaces, particularly for the disabled,” Judge Cody said. 

Judge Cody fined the man €100 and disqualified him from driving for six months. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.