This article is from page 2 of the 2014-09-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
A MAN who illegally parked in a disabled parking space at Ennis Courthouse has been disqualified from driving for three months.
At Ennis District Court on Friday, father of five Luan Heta, with an address at Park Avenue, Ennis, was also fined € 300 by Judge Patrick Durcan who has imposed stiff penalties on drivers convicted of such offences in recent months.
Mr Heta pleaded guilty to parking in a disabled person parking bay at Ennis Courthouse, Lifford Road, Ennis on March 26, 2014.
Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett told the court his client had business in the Courthouse on the day but could not get a parking spot. Mr Hassett said the court was particularly busy on the day in question.
He said Mr Heta forgot to pay the fixed charge penalty notice because of family difficulties he was experiencing at the time.
“He is very, very sorry,” Mr Hassett said.
Mr Hassett said he was aware this was a serious offence that the court has a particular view on. Asking the court not to disqualify his client from driving, Mr Hassett said his client has young children in school and any disqualification order would impose a hardship on the family.
Garda Liza McDonagh told the court that Mr Heta has eight previous convictions including for breach of the peace, assault and assault causing harm. Judge Patrick Durcan said that in his experience Ennis Courthouse is unique in the amount of parking spaces available for drivers.
Judge Durcan also noted that Mr Heta is a man with a “very violent history”.
In response, Mr Hassett acknowledged there was a time when Mr Heta “used to raise his fists regularly in this town” but he has matured with age.
Judge Durcan imposed a € 300 fine and by way of ancillary order, disqualified Mr Heta from driving for three months. Mr Hassett said he had been instructed by his client to appeal the decision.
Judge Durcan fixed recognisances at Mr Heta’s own bond of ˙€ 300 and an independent surety to be approved by the court of € 600.