The perils of not answering a summons were graphically illustrated in the District Court this week (July 8 ), when a man caught using a mobile phone whilst driving had two points and €80 converted into a €750 fine and a one year disqualification.
The court heard how Piotr Hurnnicki (30 ) from Termon Abbey in Drogheda had been caught using his phone at a roundabout in Moate at around 9.30am last August 7.
He was issued with a fixed penalty notice, which, if paid within 28 days results in a two penalty points and an €80 fine. Even if it's not paid within this time limit, the fine is only doubled to €160 and can be paid up until the day before the court date.
Hurnnicki, however, managed neither and was summonsed to appear in the District Court this week but didn't bother to appear or appoint a solicitor.
Judge John Neilan hesitated not a whit, and served Hurnnicki with the maximum fine of €750 and banned him from driving for a year.
A second defendant who attempted the same tactic also received a one year ban, albeit with a slightly larger fine on account of the greater seriousness of the summons.
Kolla Kiriapati (29 ), with an address at Retreat Avenue was stopped in Monksland on January 12 and was not displaying tax, insurance or NCT.
He failed to produce any of these documents to the Garda station of his choice within 10 days and was subsequently summonsed to appear in the Districct Court this week, but also, failed to appear.
Judge Neilan banned him for a year and fined him a grand in abstentia.
Another man on a similar summons who turned up in court kept his licence and was only fined €500.
