Fined for driving partner’s car

A MAN who drove his partner’s car when she was unwell was fined at Tallaght District Court.

Stephen Fitzpatrick (38), Knockmore Grove, Tallaght, appeared before court facing Road Traffic Act charges, including driving without a licence and insurance on the vehicle.

Garda Stephanie Maher told the court that on July 25, 2023, she attended the scene of a road traffic collision, involving the driver of  08D registration identified as the defendant.

Defence counsel had letters to support her client’s partner being unwell at the time of the incident, but acknowledged that the car trip “wasn’t a huge emergency.”

The court heard Mr Fitzpatrick has been sober from alcohol for seven years, looks after kids at home, and is not working.

Judge John O’Leary fined the defendant €100 for driving without a licence with six months to pay, and €200 for no insurance, noting it is a lot of money considering the couple’s financial circumstances.

Funded by the Local Courts Reporting Scheme