Man escapes conviction after breaking lockdown rules to buy a dog

On April 27 last year, Gardai initially advised David Cotter to turn around and go home on the approach to Limerick city. However, Mr Cotter continued on his journey as he had arranged to pick up the dog.

 A 56-year Galway man has escaped a conviction after a court heard that his Covid-19 travel breach didn’t involve him leaving home “to get a gourmet burger or a take-out pint”.

Instead, David Cotter of Oranswell, Bushypark, Galway went on a 110km round trip to Limerick city during the first Covid-19 lockdown to collect a new dog for his family.