Disqualified Longford driver 'was panicking' when caught driving while using mobile phone

A 28-year-old man currently serving a prison sentence was fined after pleading guilty to road traffic offences at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on February 24. Martin McDonald (28), of 114 McEoin Park, Longford, appeared before the court via video link.

The court heard he is currently serving a sentence in prison.

Garda Sean Murphy from Carrigallen Garda Station told the court that Mr McDonald was observed driving in Mohill while using a mobile phone and failing to stop at a stop sign. He was subsequently stopped and charged.

The court heard that Mr McDonald had 14 previous convictions and was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident.

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Mr McDonald had no solicitor and, when asked for his plea, pleaded guilty.

Addressing the court, he said: “I was on the way home and my child fell and that’s why I was panicking, judge.”

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham noted the defendant’s record and the fact that he was already serving a prison sentence.

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The judge imposed a fine of €250 in relation to the Section 51A offence, with five days’ imprisonment in lieu of payment, and a further fine of €250 for the mobile phone offence.