A Newry man who cut the ‘R’ plates which were displayed on his car to look “less conspicuous” has been handed two penalty points and a fine.
The 28-year-old’s barrister told court: “They were cut for aesthetic reasons or so he would be less likely perceived as a restricted driver given the connotations.”
Paul Cathal Byrne, of Carnagat Park, pleaded guilty to not displaying ‘R’ plates at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Court heard that on February 11, police pulled over the defendant driving a Volkswagen Golf on the Scarva Road, Tandragee.
Officers noted that the ‘R’ plates on Byrne’s car had been cut to appear “less conspicuous”.
Defence barrister Bobbie Rea stated: “Your worship, the sheer evidence of this is that he was displaying the ‘R’ plates but they had been cut.”
District Judge Paul Copeland commented: “It’s rather juvenile.”
Mr Rea said: “They were still conspicuous, they were cut for aesthetic reasons or so he would be less likely perceived as a restricted driver given the connotations.”
Byrne was handed two penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £85, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within four weeks.
