E-scooter driver ends up in court in Ballina

A man has been fined for driving an e-scooter without a light while dressed in dark clothing.

Mark Stevens, of Baile an Chnoic, Dromore West, appeared before Ballina District Court.

Gda Michael Kenny told the court that on January 24 last he was on patrol in Bury Street, Ballina, at 7.55pm when he observed a male in dark clothing operating an e-scooter without a light. He stopped Stevens and issued a fixed charge penalty notice which went unpaid.

Stevens has a number of previous convictions for driving offences.

“Mr Stevens, are you trying to get yourself killed?” asked Judge Vincent Deane. “Why risk your life and put other people at risk?”

Stevens told the court he thought the grey tracksuit he was wearing was visible enough on the evening. He no longer uses an e-scooter after a driving ban was lifted.

Imposing a fine of €150, Judge Deane told Stevens to "stop taking such mad risks".

• Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.