My brother runs a small couriering business, has a spotless driving licence and is 20 + years on the road.
He was on a job and accidentally tipped the bumper of another vehicle. All parties agreed there was zero damage but the owner of the other van insisted the Gardai were called. Forty minutes later; no sign of the cops so my brother tells the person that he can no longer wait as he had to be at another location but gave the individual all his details, phone number etc. Fatal error not waiting.
Months went by and no word from his insurance company until he got a call from the Guards who wanted to inspect his van. Van was inspected and no damage was evident.
One of the guards happened to mention to my brother that he believed the whole scenario was a “try on” and that when they inspected the other vehicle there was no evidence of damage to that vehicle either but they were being pressed by the other vehicle owner to make charges against my brother i.e. fleeing the scene and/or hit and run; both of which are serious crimes and enough to put my brother off the road, in jail and subsequently out of business.
After the guards inspection no more was heard for weeks, possibly months, until he was informed to appear in Court.
I went for support and we sat through the usual cases; dangerous driving, drink/drug fueled antisocial behaviour you name it. The judge had an emotive face for each case (rather sickening to say the least). Some people should have been hauled away in handcuffs but because the local pillars of society confirmed to the judge that the perpetrator had cleaned up their act and could not have a criminal record as that would only affect their chances of setting up a new life overseas.
We talk about vetting refugees coming into this country; how about other countries vetting the Irish who have committed crimes but the judiciary sees it fit not to issue a custodial sentence as it might hamper the perpetrators new life in the sun!
My brother’s case came up and he was asked to plead; he pleaded not guilty. The judge had the audacity to ask him why he was wasting his (judges) time. I thought I was hearing things. The guard spoke and told the judge the same as I have described.
The individual who initiated all of this failed to show in court and apparently will not be pursuing; however the guards are pursuing it as a case of hit and run. Nobody was hurt and zero damage was caused.
The gardai failed to provide evidence in court but informed the judge they had evidence which my brother has yet to see.
Should my brother have been issued with a book of evidence by now?
The entire situation is bizarre.
He was on a job and accidentally tipped the bumper of another vehicle. All parties agreed there was zero damage but the owner of the other van insisted the Gardai were called. Forty minutes later; no sign of the cops so my brother tells the person that he can no longer wait as he had to be at another location but gave the individual all his details, phone number etc. Fatal error not waiting.
Months went by and no word from his insurance company until he got a call from the Guards who wanted to inspect his van. Van was inspected and no damage was evident.
One of the guards happened to mention to my brother that he believed the whole scenario was a “try on” and that when they inspected the other vehicle there was no evidence of damage to that vehicle either but they were being pressed by the other vehicle owner to make charges against my brother i.e. fleeing the scene and/or hit and run; both of which are serious crimes and enough to put my brother off the road, in jail and subsequently out of business.
After the guards inspection no more was heard for weeks, possibly months, until he was informed to appear in Court.
I went for support and we sat through the usual cases; dangerous driving, drink/drug fueled antisocial behaviour you name it. The judge had an emotive face for each case (rather sickening to say the least). Some people should have been hauled away in handcuffs but because the local pillars of society confirmed to the judge that the perpetrator had cleaned up their act and could not have a criminal record as that would only affect their chances of setting up a new life overseas.
We talk about vetting refugees coming into this country; how about other countries vetting the Irish who have committed crimes but the judiciary sees it fit not to issue a custodial sentence as it might hamper the perpetrators new life in the sun!
My brother’s case came up and he was asked to plead; he pleaded not guilty. The judge had the audacity to ask him why he was wasting his (judges) time. I thought I was hearing things. The guard spoke and told the judge the same as I have described.
The individual who initiated all of this failed to show in court and apparently will not be pursuing; however the guards are pursuing it as a case of hit and run. Nobody was hurt and zero damage was caused.
The gardai failed to provide evidence in court but informed the judge they had evidence which my brother has yet to see.
Should my brother have been issued with a book of evidence by now?
The entire situation is bizarre.
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