Woman fined for leaving scene after collision with parked car

A motorist, who failed to report a collision with a parked car and made amends by paying for the damage and writing a letter of apology to the owner, has been fined €300.

Karen Healy of Cuilnakillen, Lahardane, a married mother of four, pleaded guilty at the local district court to driving without due care and attention and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

Gardaí responded to a call from the owner of a 2018 Volvo who had parked her car in the Market Square car park in Ballina on March 27, 2023.

The complainant, who was nearby when the incident occurred, said she heard a loud bang as a car reversed from a parking space. The car then drove off but she took pictures of it.

The defendant’s insurance company paid €3,000 for the damage and the case was adjourned two weeks ago as the defendant was awaiting a Pro-Social driving course certificate.

Last week solicitor Catherine Bourke said her client had performed well and the document was submitted to the court.

Judge Fiona Lydon imposed the fine with six months to pay.