This article is from page 11 of the 2014-06-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
A MAN who admitted driving a car with four bald tyres in Ennis last year has received fines totaling € 975 .
At Ennis District Court on Friday, Judge Patrick Durcan also banned Stefan Coustrain from holding a driver’s license for six months.
He told the 22-year-old he “was driving around the town of Ennis a most dangerous vehicle” when he was stopped by gardaí in the town on October 7 last.
He said the motoring offences occurred at a time of the year when conditions are wet and roads are covered with fallen leaves.
Mr Coustrain, with an address at Aisling, Shanaway Road, Ennis, was convicted of failing to wear a set belt, having a type that was not maintained in a condition so as to be fit for use.
He was also fined for unpaid excise duty on a vehicle contrary to the Finance Act.
The court heard Mr Coustrain has a number of previous convictions including one for a hit and run offence in Ennis
Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client had previously worked as a chef and a computer repair man but is now out of work.
She said he is currently doing a training course in Limerick.
Acknowledging her client has a “bad record”, Ms Godfrey said any disqualification would hurt Mr Coustrain and affect his ability to support his family.
She said her client was going through a difficult period in his life when he committed the offences.
Judge Patrick Durcan struck out a number of road traffic offences against Mr Coustrain.
However he imposed fines totaling € 975 for the remaining charges. He also disqualified Mr Coustrain from holding a license for six months, by way of ancillary order.
Judge Durcan said he was cognizant the accused had a young family. “He just has to wake up”, he added.
The Judge said Mr Coustrain had shown total disregard for his children by driving them around in a “rattletrap”.
He said parents who behave in such a way should be referred to the Child and Family Welfare Agency (CAFA).