Woman in court over TV licence in Laois warned she could face jail
The woman was ordered to complete 40 hours of community service
A woman appeared in court for failing to complete community service for non payment of a TV licence fine six years ago.
Tara Kane, with an address at 19 Clonroosk View, Portlaoise, appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of breaching a community service order.
The court was told she had been fined €160 at a court in February of 2020 for not having a TV licence at her address on April 25, 2019. She was subsequently given 40 hours of community service in lieu of the fine when she failed to pay.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the defendant had made progress and completed 16 of the 40 hours.
Probation Officer Shane McManus said the defendant has been given ample opportunity to complete the 40 hours and has failed to do so. He said she had provided various reasons and excuses for failing to complete the community service and he questioned her intention to complete the order.
Ms Fitzpatrick said her client had been having difficulties at the time of the fine and she doesn’t recall the matter. She said the woman undertook 16 hours. “I wonder would the court consider the 16 hours sufficient?” she asked.
“What I want her to do is complete the order,” said Judge Andrew Gubbins.
He said there was no default provision and she could face a custodial sentence if it is not completed.
“The courts patience will run out eventually and we may have to consider a custodial element to this,” said Judge Gubbins.
Mr McManus said one full week or a day a week for four weeks would complete the order. He suggested one day a week to allow some flexibility.
Judge Gubbins agreed and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on October 12.