Sligo driver (74) fined for dangerously defective car which could not reverse

By Nathan Molloy, The Sligo Champion

A 74-year-old man has been fined after gardaí found that his car was dangerously defective and could not reverse.

Thomas Gaughan of Pier Road, Enniscrone was charged with driving with a modified tax disc displaying the incorrect expiry date, driving a dangerously defective vehicle and driving without tax at Kilglass, Enniscrone on February 4, 2024.

His case was first heard on February 12. It was outlined that gardaí stopped Gaughan’s car as a result of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) check. Upon examining the car, gardaí noticed that the motor tax disc had the incorrect expiry date on it.

Gaughan’s car was then seized and moved onto a tow truck. A number of defects on the car then became visible to gardaí.

An examination took place in the impound yard, and it was found that the left rear brake pads were so worn through that it was steel on steel, that the reverse gear was not functioning, that the right front tyre and left rear tyre were exceptionally worn and that the left and right fog lights were not working. Steel plates were also found on the car which had dangerous sharp edges.

Ms Abigail Livingstone, solicitor (defending) said that Gaughan was an electrician before he retired and that he does the odd job and that his licence was important to him. She added that her client also drove his friend down to hospital appointments.

Judge Cunningham said that they were serious matters as there was an element of deception. She added that drivers need to be properly insured, taxed, have an NCT and that the reason for this is to be safe for themselves and other road users.

Judge Cunningham directed Gaughan to do a pro social driving course or an equivalent and adjourned the case to June 11.

On June 11, Ms Livingstone told Judge Cunningham that her client had engaged well with the programme. She added that Gaughan had learnt a significant lesson.

Judge Cunningham fined Gaughan €250 each on the driving with a modified tax disc displaying the incorrect expiry date charge and driving without tax charge. She took into consideration the other charge.

Gaughan was told that he was fortunate that the court was dealing with the matter in that way by Judge Cunningham.

Article funded by Courts Reporting Scheme.