‘ONGOING OFFENCE’ | 

Judge bans TD’s partner from road after hearing he continues to drive without licence

“I am quite concerned that Mr Mountaine continues to drive in breach of the law. The law is simple here – if you have a provisional licence, you must be accompanied when driving.”

Yesterday at 21:10

A judge has imposed a driving ban on the partner of independent Clare TD, Violet Anne Wynne after commenting that John Mountaine “continues to drive in breach of the law”.

At Kilrush District Court today, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed the three month driving ban on Mr Mountaine (42) of Pella Rd, Kilrush for driving unaccompanied on a provisional licence at Lack West, Kilmihil, Co Clare in October 2021.

Judge Gabbett said: “I am quite concerned that Mr Mountaine continues to drive in breach of the law. The law is simple here – if you have a provisional licence, you must be accompanied when driving.”

Judge Gabbett said: “This is an ongoing offence with Mr Mountaine and he continues to drive unaccompanied while on a provisional licence.”

Judge Gabbett said that he had indicated in court exactly one year ago that he would convict Mr Mountaine of the offence but had given him time to sit his driving test and Mr Mountaine had failed to do so.

Imposing a €200 fine on Mr Mountaine for driving unaccompanied while on a provisional licence in October 2021, Judge Gabbett said that he was using his ancillary powers to impose the three month driving ban on Mr Mountaine.