Limerick Inspector hits out at commonly used driving conviction excuses

A woman was fined and convicted for driving 180 kmph in a 100 km zone in Newcastle West District court. 

Emma O’Brien, 30, with a home address at Park Luachra, Abbeyfeale, was observed speeding by Garda Errol Flynn at the N21 road at Glendarragh on the January 29. 2025. 

Ms O’Brien told the court that the only paper work she received was the court date, and that she didn’t receive the fixed penalty notice sent to her address. 

The woman also stated that she’s regularly in and out of the hospital, and that may be the reason why she didn’t receive the letter. Her solicitor detailed that she “suffers from a serious condition”. 

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Prosecuting Inspector Gearóid Thompson said in response that “people are coming to court all the time with a broad excuse” for fixed penalty notices, and this would lead one to think that “the postal service in this country is something akin to a developing country”. 

Inspector Thompson further added: “It’s becoming a feature. People say they aren’t getting their post. You’ve heard the excuse.” 

Solicitor Enda O’Connor agreed with the inspector, and said “the postal service is poor”, and stated that it’s an issue for the oireachtas. 

Judge Carol Anne Coolican convicted and fined the woman €400 euro, giving her six months to pay the penalty. 

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme