Man didn’t receive fine for no tractor lights in Portlaoise

A case was struck out against a man who claimed he didn’t receive a penalty notice for driving a tractor without lights. 

Enda Norton, 35, of Sheffield, Portlaoise was issued fixed charge penalty notices for not having lights on a tractor or trailer at Clonkeen, Portlaoise on November 4 last year.

Mr Norton told the court that he didn’t receive the penalty notices. “All I got was a summons to come to court,” he explained. 

Mr Norton said there would be six or seven houses of the same address in the area. 

The prosecuting guard said there were six penalty notices issued in relation to the matter and one of them was paid. 

“I paid nothing because I got nothing,” the accused told the court. 

Judge Michelle Finan asked the defendant’s counsel to add up how much would have been paid. She asked Sgt Kirby about the defendant. 

Sgt Kirby said  he was friends with the man. “He is a decent man. Does a lot of work for charity,” he said. 

The man’s counsel said they had €350 for the  St Vincent de Paul.  Judge Finan said she would strike out the matter.