Courier claimed he was holding vape and not mobile phone
The defendant told the court he was not holding a mobile phone at the time.
A courier driver, who claimed he was holding a vape instead of a mobile phone while driving, has been fined.
Gerard Carney, aged 66, of Bekan, Claremorris pleaded not guilty at Castlebar District Court to driving while using a mobile phone.
Gda Sean Naughton said he was on duty on the R323 road near Knock at 8.30am on July 15, 2022, when he observed the defendant driving a white Ford Transit van and holding a phone.
When stopped, the defendant said he had Bluetooth and was not using his phone.
Carney told the court he had 120 drop-offs to do that day and insisted he had Eircodes for around 115 locations. He had made calls and sent texts to clarify the remaining locations before leaving the depot. He said Gda Naughton had observed him holding a vape.
“I gave up my cigarettes and the vape is never out of my hand. I’m addicted to it,” he said.
Carney told the court the cost of driving and insurance policies had risen sharply, and he feared his job may be at risk if he was convicted and received penalty points. He has one previous conviction dating back to 2002.
Judge Fiona Lydon said she was not convinced by Carney’s claim that he could not remember using his mobile phone and she fined him €200. Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.
