Model spared fine and points over speeding

Model and actor Vivienne Connolly was spared a fine and the possibility of four penalty points on her licence when she appeared in court for speeding.

Ms Connolly faced a summons issued against her for driving in excess of the 50km/h speed limit in a built-up area at Conyngham Rd, Dublin, on Sept 17 last year.

The mother of two had to come to court as a result of the non-payment of an €80 fixed charge notice, which also results in two penalty points being recorded.

She was cleared after telling the court she never received the notice.

Traffic Department Garda Gareth Vance told Judge Michael Coghlan at Dublin District Court that he had been operating a speed camera. He detected her driving “at 64km/h in an area governed by a 50km/h speed limit”.

Judge Coghlan said to her: “It might be better if I don’t hear it... Do I know you?”

Ms Connolly, representing herself, answered: “You might do.”

The judge suggested an adjournment to another date, saying he hoped it would not inconvenience her.

Ms Connolly said: “We do not know each other personally,” adding, “I am an actor.”

Ms Connolly confirmed she was happy for Judge Coghlan to deal with the case. She accepted the garda’s evidence but said she did not receive notification of the fixed penalty charge, adding that she would have paid.

Ms Connolly, with an address in Castleknock, Dublin, thanked Judge Coghlan, who said he was striking out the case.