Driving ban for Laois truck driver with 'poor attitude'

A driving ban was handed down to a truck driver who had a “poor attitude” when gardaí caught him using a mobile phone in Portlaoise.

Adam Kelly (36) of 78 Kirwan Park, Mountmellick, pleaded guilty to holding a mobile phone while driving on the Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise on February 18, 2025. 

Garda Alyssa O’Sullivan said she observed the defendant holding a mobile phone in his right hand while driving at 12.35pm on the date in question. She said the man was driving a truck. 

“He had an extremely poor attitude towards gardaí and wouldn’t engage,” she said. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked about his attitude and  Garda O’Sullivan said the man kept telling her that everyone goes on their phone and then he wouldn’t engage with gardaí. She said a fine was issued but it wasn’t paid. 

Judge Cody noted the man had previous convictions for public order offences and hit and run. He fined the man €500 and banned him from driving for three months. 

Hugo Mills BL told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that there was a plea in the case. The defendant wasn’t present in court.  Judge Cody fixed recognisance in case of appeal.