Leitrim learner driver fined for driving alone and without L-plates

A Ballinamore woman was fined at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on January 27 after being found driving as a learner permit holder without a qualified accompanying driver and without displaying L-plates on the vehicle. Leanne Kearney (30), of Derrinliver, Ballinamore, appeared before Carrick-on- Shannon District Court on charges relating to learner driving offences.

Gardaí stopped Ms Kearney during a roadside check and found she was driving alone despite holding only a learner permit. The vehicle had no L-plates displayed. The court heard the car belonged to her father and was used for daily transport. A separate incident was outlined where Ms Kearney drove a vehicle without valid insurance. Checks showed the policy had expired and the car was seized. No insurance certificate or exemption was produced within the required period. The court also heard details of a separate incident in which Ms Kearney was found in control of a vehicle where no valid insurance certificate was displayed.

Gardaí carried out checks which showed the insurance policy had expired. The vehicle was subsequently seized under the Road Traffic Act. No certificate of insurance or exemption was produced at a Garda station within the required 10-day period. Her solicitor, Peter Collins, told the court his client is a mother of two young children and relies on a car to manage childcare, and her work as a care-worker. He asked the court to consider her personal circumstances, noting that she had no previous convictions and was trying to progress toward obtaining a full driving licence. Mr Collins said his client was aware of the importance of complying with learner permit rules and was taking steps to regularise her driving status.

Presiding judge Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said the court’s discretion in road traffic matters is limited due to the statutory nature of the offences. In addressing Ms Kearney directly, she remarked that imposing a fine was “the best I can do in the
circumstances.”

Judge Cunningham said learner driver regulations exist for safety reasons and must be adhered to. She noted the mitigation put forward, including Ms Kearney’s family responsibilities and lack of prior convictions, but stressed that the court must apply
the law. A conviction was recorded and a fine of 250 euro imposed with 6 months to pay.

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