Judge issues warning on parking in disabled bays without permit

A four year driving ban was given to a school bus driver who parked his car in a disabled space in Portlaoise. 

Joe Jacob, 62, of 26 Ballindine, Abbeyleix admitted parking in a disabled bay on Main Street in Portlaoise on August 4 last. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted it was the defendant’s third conviction for parking in a disabled bay. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said there was a matter under appeal as the defendant had received a conviction in his absence. 

Garda Alan Daly said he noticed a black Nissan parked in a disabled bay without a permit. He said the car’s other paperwork was correct and he issued a ticket which wasn’t paid. 

Mr Meagher said his client had been asked to collect an elderly acquaintance on the date in question. Mr Meagher said the new library building is taking up 10 or 12 spaces and the man couldn’t find anywhere to park. 

Mr Meagher said his client drove around the town three times before “foolishly” pulling into the disabled space. 

“This man was driving a school bus until recently. Shocking,” said Judge Cody. 

Mr Meagher confirmed the man had been driving a school bus but he didn’t know where exactly in Laois. 

He described the man as a “vulnerable adult” who had lived all his life with his mother who recently passed away.

“Unfortunately he seems to have come under the influence of certain people,” said Mr Meagher. 

Judge Cody described disabled spaces as a lifeline for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. 

He fined the man €500 and disqualified him from driving for four years. 

Judge Cody issued a warning to anyone who parks in a disabled bay without a permit. 

He said he had “an absolute abhorrence for anybody parking in a disabled bay” without a permit. 

Judge Cody said anyone who comes before him can expect a disqualification on a second conviction and a four year disqualification on a third conviction. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.