Moville motorist fined €250 after being spotted by gardai not wearing his seatbelt

A Moville man has been fined €250 and handed five penalty points for failing to wear his seatbelt whilst driving last year.

Shaun Holmes, of 2 New Park, Moville, did not appear before Carndonagh District Court to face the motoring misdemeanour against him.

However, solicitor Frank Dorrian told the court that his 42-year-old client would be entering a guilty plea.

Garda Thomas Duggan was sworn-in to give evidence in the matter, telling the court how the offence was detected at Malin Road, Moville at 11.29am on the morning of Saturday, November 23, 2024.

“I observed the driver of a vehicle, a silver Ford Fiesta, driving towards me, and he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.”

“I stopped the vehicle, and I outlined to the driver the reason why he was stopped. The driver identified himself as Shaun Holmes.”

Garda Duggan further testified how a postal fixed penalty notice was issued in respect of the offence, but it was not paid, and the case progressed to court as a result.

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Judge Eiteain Cunningham found the facts proven following the brief hearing.

The court heard how Mr Holmes has multiple previous convictions, including for drug driving, no insurance, no tax and speeding.

Judge Cunningham convicted the Moville man of failing to wear his seatbelt, imposing a fine of €250, with a deadline of five months to pay. The offence also carries five penalty points upon conviction in court.

The judge fixed recognisance at €250 cash, in the event of an appeal.