Brothers travel from London and Belfast to Laois court after father’s name falsely used 

Two brothers travelled from Belfast and London to Portlaoise District Court where a man had admitted falsely using their late father's name and address.

Cormac McStay (52) of Clonad, Portlaoise, was accused of providing false or misleading information at Clonad, Portlaoise, on March 11 last.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client, who wasn’t present due to work commitments, had instructed him to plead guilty to the offence. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant’s car had been detected speeding at Kill in Kildare. The man had filled out a form nominating a man in Belfast as the driver of the car on the date in question, said Sgt Kirby. 

Sgt Kirby said it transpired that the named man had died prior to the speeding incident and his family “were upset and unhappy naturally”. 

“He did use our father’s name. We wanted to see what was going on,” one of the two sons told Judge Susan Fay. 

“I am a recovery driver in London. I took the day off to try and resolve it,” one of the brothers said. 

Mr Fitzgerald extended an apology on behalf of his client and described it as “clearly a nasty” act. “I wasn’t privy to the full facts,” he stated. 

“I can only offer my apology to the family,” said Mr Fitzgerald.  

Judge Fay said “I think he should face the music. I think he should come to court.”

She asked the brothers if there was a date which suited them to return to the court. She then asked if there was any connection between the deceased and the defendant. 

“I am not sure of any nexus link,” replied Mr Fitzgerald. 

Judge Fay offered her condolences to the two brothers who said they would return on whatever date suited the Judge.

“I can make sure he is here whatever day suits you,” Mr Fitzgerald said of the defendant. 

“It is an unusual one, I am minded to order restorative justice,” said Judge Fay. 

She told the brothers that they wouldn’t need to come to court for restorative justice. 

“It may help to resolve matters, to understand why this happened,” said Judge Fay. 

She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 22 “to enable restorative justice to take its course”. 

Judge Fay thanked the two brothers for coming to court.