Donegal joiner on Covid-breach charge has case dismissed

A Donegal man who told a court that he was providing an essential service when apprehended by Gardai for an alleged breach of Covid-19 regulations has had his case struck out.

Sean Sylvia (28) of Keelogs, Churchill, was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Garda Maguire on March 3, 2021.

Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton told Letterkenny District Court that Sylvia said he was a joiner going to second fix a house in Carrigart. Sylvia was informed tat the journey was not permitted under Covid regulations.

A fixed charge penalty notice (FCPN) was issued, but was not paid.

Defence solicitor Mr Kieran Dillon told the court that the journey was essential.

“He was going to fix a house for someone to occupy,” Mr Dillon said. “He was hanging doors. Houses being perfected for habitation would be an essential service.”

Mr Dillon said his client was a passenger in a van which was being driven by his boss.

“I am not getting into what is essential or not,” said Judge Deirdre Gearty, striking the case out.

Separately, Sylvia appeared before the court on two speeding charges.

On March 14, 2021, Sylvia was detected driving at 122km/h at Dromore, Letterkenny, on a road covered by a speed limit of 100km/h.

On January 31, 2021, Sylvia was detected driving at 96km/h in an area governed by a 80km/h limit at Ballynakilly, Churchill.

“He is racking them up,” remarked Judge Gearty.

Mr Dillon said Sylvia lives at home with his mother and asked the court to be as lenient as possible. The loss of his licence, Mr Dillon said, would present ‘serious difficulties’ for Sylvia, who is trying to get work as a security guard.

For the 122km/h speeding offence, Sylvia was fined €250 and given five months to pay, while the other charge was struck out.