Attempt to pay fine fails over middle name

A motorist’s prosecution for holding a mobile phone while driving is set to go to the High Court after his attempt to pay his fine prior to receiving a court summons was rejected because he did not sign his middle name when replying to the notice.

Gardaí spotted Philip O’Connell, aged 55, from Spout Lane, Castleisland, Co Kerry, holding a mobile phone while driving on April 7, 2014 at Currahaly, Farran, in Co Cork. He was issued a fixed-charge penalty notice, which he attempted to pay.

However, Mr O’Connell’s payment was rejected as he did not write his full name — including middle names, as it appears on his licence — on the form accompanying his payment. He was subsequently issued a summons to appear in Macroom District Court over the matter.