Judge dismisses defendant's''cock and bull story''

A man was put off the road for six years at last week's district court. Judge Andrew Cody described as a ''cock and bull story'' the reason given in court as to why Thomas Crosbie (58) of Francis Street, Edenderry was driving without insurance at Laurencetown, Rhode on September 10, 2024.

At a court sitting in April, solicitor for Mr Crosbie said her client had been asked by a Mr Quinn to bring workers to their place of employment. He had been told he was insured on Mr Quinn's girlfriend's insurance.

He was stopped by Garda Trevor Mullins. On that court date Judge Andrew Cody said he wanted to see Mr Quinn in court and adjourned the case to last Wednesday May 7.

Ms Maloney read from an email which confirmed what Thomas Crosbie had said, but there was no appearance by Mr Quinn.

The judge asked what business Mr Crosbie was working for. Ms Maloney said he was not working for Mr Quinn but was doing him a favour.

Judge Cody questioned whether an email from ''hotmail.com'' could be trusted.

He fined Thomas Crosbie €1,000 and disqualified him from driving for 6 years.

He took into consideration the offence of failing to produce the insurance.

An application for free legal aid by Ms Maloney was refused for a second time by Judge Cody who said Mr Quinn should cover her client's costs.