A lawyer has successfully challenged the validity of a speeding summons during a hearing at Trim District Court. Barrister James O’Brien was defending a motorist who had allegedly been speeding on a Co Meath road. He contested the fact that a Garda could appear in court to present a summons on behalf of a civilian speed van operator.
Last Thursday, a Garda gave evidence in which summonses had been issued in the name of Superintendent Murphy of the civilian service. His challenge was successful and the summons was struck out by Judge Gerry Jones. Summonses for average been the subject of controversy at Trim court.
Judge McKiernan has adjourned a number of summonses after expressing doubt about accepting “detection photographs” as sufficient proof to convict in average speed camera cases. She has queried who might be “vouching” for the certificates produced by the new automated camera system which was implemented last year.
In the cases mentioned before Judge Gerry Jones last Thursday detections were carried out in 100kph zones and some of the speeds detected in that zone were 136kph, 121, 109, 116, 108, 113, 114, 109, 110, 115, 125, 116.
The following incurred fines – Sandis Huligans, Mountfortescue, Grangegeeth, Collon (two alleged detections 8 th March 2025 and 11 th March 2025) Fined total €300); Andrei Catalin Ursuti, The Corner House, Balfeddock, Slane (alleged detections 19 th March 2025 and 20 th March 2025) Fined total €300; Aaron Farrelly, Mandistown, Drumconrath (alleged detections 2 nd April 2025 and 5 th April 2025) Fined
€300); Padraig McCormack, Terlicken, Ballymahon, Longford (detected 20 th April 2025 and 22 nd April 2025) Fined €200; Sean Penny, Demailestown, Wilkinstown, Navan (detected 2 nd April 2025 ) fined €100; Fedoul Abdelhak, Willow Place, Athlone (detected 25 th March 2025) Fined 150; Valerian Nicoara, Woodlands Hall, Ratoath (detected 12 th April 2025) Fined €150; Alfas Sibanda, Killoo Lodge, Rathdaniel, Tenure, Dunleer (detected 4 th May 2025) Fined €150; Corey White, Leigh Valley, Ratoath (detected 5 th May 2025) Fined €50; Tudorita Calusaru, The Birches, Lough na Glack, Carrickmacross (four detections 25 th May 2025, 1 st June 2025, 8 th June 2025, 5 th June 2025) Total fines €600).
