'Unusual situation' as vehicle caught speeding in Offaly sold on same day

A VEHICLE which was sold in Tullamore on the same day a speed detection van detected it travelling in excess of the speed limit required an investigation to trace the owner, Tullamore District Court heard last week.

Before the court was Gearldine Ward with an address at 37 Fahy Gardens, Loughrea in County Galway, accused of excess speed in a built up area where the speed limit is 50kph.

Sgt. Kearns, court presenter, told Judge Andrew Cody the situation was "unusual" as the vehicle was sold and ownership transferred on the day of the alleged offence and required an investigation by gardai to ascertain who owned the vehicle.

The court heard from the operator of a GoSafe speed detection van that on March 20, 2025, he detected the vehicle travelling at 62kph in a 50kph speed limit zone on Church Street in Clara.

Sgt. Kearns told the court the vehicle's ownership changed on that day and was sold by a woman from Tullamore to the defendant.

"The vehicle was subsequently observed outside the address of Gearldine Ward and was issued with tickets for non-display of tax", Sgt. Kearns explained.

Judge Andrew Cody asked Sgt Kearns for sworn evidence if he believed, subsequent to the investigation, the vehicle was the defendant's property at the time.

After hearing the evidence Judge Cody said he was satisfied the defendant, who has no previous convictions, was the owner and fined her €300 with three months to pay.

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