‘Her record is atrocious!’ Longford judge unimpressed with woman’s ‘complete disregard for the rules of the road’

A woman has appeared before Longford District Court accused of multiple driving offences, including two counts of driving without a license, failure to produce a license when requested by a Garda, and two counts of no insurance. 

46-year-old Lynette Delaney who is currently residing in emergency accommodation in Ballinamore, Leitrim, appeared before court and was represented by solicitor, Frank Gearty. 

Ms Delaney was charged by Garda Aidan Lenehan for driving without a license, failing to produce a license when asked, and no insurance, at Cloonrallagh, Longford, on May 30 of this year. 

She was subsequently charged by Garda Peter Vesey for driving without a licence and without insurance at Ballyminion, Longford, on July 5 this year.  

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Addressing the court, Mr Gearty said, “On June 10 she pleaded guilty. Then there was this other matter on July 22. The case was adjourned to today for provision of court and with no promises, and a number of warnings  were indicated by you, Judge.”

“Breach of bail as well,” noted Judge Owens.   

Speaking in relation to his client’s personal circumstances, which had changed dramatically in the interim, Mr Gearty added, “Since then the situation has deteriorated. There was one further offence in July, and since then there have been no further offences, however she has become homeless. She was put out of the house where she was staying, she has three children, and she has a long record of work.” 

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Mr Gearty explained that Ms Delaney had been unlucky with some of the relationships she had been in and that she had been staying in people’s houses while the probation services were trying to contact her.  

He explained, “If I may judge, if you decide to send this lady to prison today, which you would be perfectly entitled to do, I would have to venture to you that the three children, their situation would have to be looked at to get her ready for such an eventuality, so I’m going to very respectfully ask the court to consider giving her time to engage with the probation services.”  

Mr Gearty added that “there had been no further offending since July 5.”

“What am I meant to say, Mr Gearty?” remarked Judge Owens in response. “Well done? This lady has an atrocious record!” 

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Addressing Judge Owens directly, Ms Delaney explained that she had moved into emergency hotel  accommodation with her children, a week prior to the court sitting.

Mr Gearty explained that “the paradox of this lady is that she has a good side and a bad side but the bad side is a complete disregard for the rules of the road.”

Judge Owens confirmed her direction for a probation report, and remanded Ms Delaney on continuing bail to January 20, reminding her that she had signed a bail bond which prohibited her from driving.

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