Solicitor ‘at a loss for words’ over client’s breach of laws
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to yet another breach of the road traffic laws.
A solicitor admitted he was speechless after his client breached road traffic laws just days after being given a chance by a judge.
Mike Smith, aged 54, Arderry, Aughagower, Westport, pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to driving while disqualified at High Street, Westport on October 29 last. Five days earlier, Smith pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to drink driving and failing to have insurance and a licence. Judge Fiona Lydon directed the chef to sell or destroy his car. Instead, he drove again and was stopped by Gda John Flanagan who seized the car.
Solicitor Gary Mulchrone admitted his client's behaviour had left him speechless.
“He was supposed to complete the Prime for Life (drug awareness) course, engage with an addiction counsellor and dispose of his car,” Mr Mulchrone said. “But after the opportunity he was given, he is detected driving again… I’m at a loss for words.”
Judge Lydon said she had "huge concerns" about the frequent offending.
“I was very concerned there was drink driving in the mix and I asked him to promise he would not drive a vehicle."
She imposed a four-month jail term and a six-year driving ban. She also recommended that Smyth receive appropriate medical attention while in custody.
Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.
The court also heard that Smith has a four-month suspended jail term hanging over him for driving while disqualified at Bury Street, Ballina on January 24 last. That matter will now come before Ballina District Court this week.
