Motorist who described himself as ‘spirit of God’ to Longford judge is fined for speeding

A speeding driver who described himself as the 'Spirit of God' and did not pay a fixed charge penalty notice fine and insisted in court he will not pay any fine, has been convicted.

Noel McGrath of Porturlin, Ballina, county Mayo contested the charge arising out of an Edgeworthstown incident at Longford District Court and he claimed the prosecution was 'unlawful' without providing any evidence.

The defendant stated he was there by "special divine appearance to correct the standing of the court and the DPP" (Director of Public Prosecutions).

A GoSafe operator said a speed check was being carried out on the N4 at Kilsallagh, Edgeworthstown, county Longford on April 7, last when the defendant was detected travelling at 112kph in a 100kph zone.

A fixed charge penalty notice was issued to Mr McGrath, however, it went unpaid.

Mr McGrath, who represented himself, referred frequently to 'God' and his 'freedom' as he outlined his defence.

"I come in peace having reached the age majority and to accuse the corporation known as the Department of Public Prosecution of committing fraud on the all caps Noel McGrath, which only exists on paper.

"I rebut and repudiate any and all contracts the Department of Public Prosecution believes they have with me.

"I am the spirit of God, the last breath prior to fertilisation, I am whole and I am complete by my creator known as God and nature.

"Consent must be given by the living man and I know in executing my God given rights to travel freely in private without coercion, intimidation, threats, bullying or trespass.

"I suggest now that the DPP and the corporation prove consent and show a wet ink signature because you have no subject matter jurisdiction and you are not following the rules of law."

However, Judge Deirdre Gearty had an entirely different view.

"I am satisfied the rules of law are being followed and I am satisfied by the evidence heard before the court.

She convicted the defendant and fined him €200 with five months to pay.

Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.

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