Driving ban for parking in space reserved for disabled
The case was heard before Ballina District Court.
A Ballina man has received a three-month driving ban for parking in a space reserved for motorists with disabilities.
Patrick Leo Nevin, 5 Oakwood Drive, Ballina pleaded not guilty to the offence when he appeared before last Friday's sitting of the local district court.
Gda Padraig Naughton told the court that he was on duty at Market Lane, Ballina at 6.33pm on October 27th last when he observed a vehicle parked in a disabled parking bay without having the required permit, otherwise known as a ‘Blue Badge’ that attaches to the vehicle.
He spoke with the driver, Patrick Leo Nevin, and issued him with a fixed charge penalty notice that went unpaid.
Defending solicitor Denis Molloy told Gda Naughton in cross-examination that his client was “shocked” to hear that he was parked in a disabled bay because it was a dark evening, the bay was not painted blue and the space’s designation as a disabled parking spot was not well signposted. He asked the Garda if he accepted that he had to illuminate his torch towards a nearby pole that indicated this was a disabled parking bay in order for Nevin to realise he had parked illegally.
Gda Naughton said he did not recall doing this and that Market Lane is a well-lit area.
In his evidence, the defendant told the court that the parking bay was not painted blue and he assumed it was a normal parking space. He said he had broken his left femur in 2024 and had steel pins inserted in his leg. However, he told the court that he is yet to apply for a Blue Badge.
Under cross-examination from Sgt Shane Kelleher, the defendant said he accepted that there was signage in the area saying that parking was restricted to disabled users only.
Mr Molloy said the evidence in the case "spoke for itself" and asked Judge Ciaran Liddy to accept his client’s version of events.
“It [the evidence] certainly speaks for itself,” remarked Judge Liddy, who imposed a fine of €500 and a three-month driving disqualification.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
