'I do not see Donegal County Council in the bible', man tells Judge

A Ballybofey man who did not pay a parking fine told a District Court, when querying ownership of a public place, that Donegal County Council is not referenced in the bible.

Joseph Martin Griffin, with an address at Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey, was before Letterkenny District Court this week.

When Griffin was called, he told the court that he was present ‘by special appearance’.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham asked Griffin if he was pleading guilty or not guilty to the charge, arising out of an unpaid parking fine, which was issued on June 30, 2022, the accused said: “Are you offering me a new contract? Have you equity, your honour?”

A parking warden from Donegal County Council told the court that he was on duty on the date in question when, at 11.46am, he saw a vehicle parked at Market Street, Ballybofey without a valid pay and display disc.

A fixed charge penalty notice was issued, but remained unpaid. Photographic evidence was shown to the court and to the defendant, who represented himself.

Griffin asked the court for a copy of the deeds for the land.

“I look at and read the bible and I do not see Donegal County Council anywhere in the bible,” Griffin said.

“I would like them to provide deeds that show Donegal County Council actually own the land where the alleged crime took place. Not by-laws or anything like that. I require the deeds.”

Mr Kevin McElhinney, solicitor for Donegal County Council, said that the charge before the court was in relation to parking in a public place.

Judge Cunningham said she was satisfied that the location was a public place and found the facts proven.

Griffin, who declined to address the court in mitigation, was fined €80 and ordered to pay costs of €138.

Recognisance in the event of an appeal was fixed at Griffin’s own bond of €500, with €200 to be lodged.