Wasn’t driving and never drove owned or drove BMW

A 42 year-old man from Westmeath, who a Garda said he stopped in Kells, told a court it was not him and another man was mistaken for him in the past.

Michael Quinn McDonagh of Dalton Park, Mullingar denied driving on the occasion nearly four years Ago. He said he never owned or drove a black BMW which was make of the vehicle involved on the date.

Garda Egan gave evidence at Trim District Court on Thursday that he stopped a black BWW at Oliver Plunkett Road, Kells on 30th January 2022.

There was no tax on the vehicle and the driver was not wearing a seat belt.

He requested the driver who gave him personal details, including his date of birth, to produce documents.

The driver elected for Mullingar Station and they were not produced.

The Garda said he issued fixed penalty charges which weren’t paid. He said he was satisfied as to the identity of the defendant, who told him he had changed his name by deed poll.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan said she 100 percent accepted the evidence of the Garda but was not satisfied with the issue of service. She struck out the case.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.