Soldier fined after hitting parked van in Offaly town

Two fines of €250 each were imposed on a member of the Defence Forces for driving carelessly and without insurance.

Tullamore District Court heard that a silver Audi being driven by 28-year-old Ivan Calcatinci had struck a parked van and damaged it at Main Street, Birr on July 14 last at 8.40pm.

A solicitor representing Mr Calcatinci told Judge Andrew Cody his client was a native of Moldova who had been in Ireland for seven years.

He had an excellent rating in the Defence Forces and had completed one tour of duty in Lebanon.

He was a resident of Custume Barracks, Athlone and had come to Birr to see friends.

The collision with the van was described as a low velocity one and the accused remained at the scene afterwards.

In relation to the insurance, the court was told Mr Calcatinci had purchased the car a short time earlier and was waiting for the log book.

He now had a different vehicle and had full insurance until July 2024. He had no previous convictions.

Judge Cody was told that an army officer was in court for the proceedings and a penalty in excess of €1,000 would affect the man's rating.

The judge noted that it was the defendant's first offence and fined him a total of €500.