A teenager who had his modified Audi A4 stopped at a vehicle checkpoint has been handed fines and three penalty points over defects.
The 18-year-old’s solicitor told court: “He sold the car two weeks after he got it back, at a significant loss of money, and he has since bought something a little bit more mature.”
Andrew Megaw, of Leitrim Road in Hilltown, had pleas of guilty entered on his behalf to no R plates displayed, defective tyre, no vehicle test certificate and defective windscreen at Newry Magistrates’ on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that on January 27, police were conducting a vehicle checkpoint on the Dublin Road, Newry, when they stopped the defendant driving an Audi A4.
Checks on the car revealed that there was no valid MOT certificate and that Megaw was a restricted driver.
Officers noted that the suspension of the A4 had been lowered and the rear window was tinted so the R plate displayed was not visible.
The car was seized and subsequently examined, and a report showed that it had a defective tyre and windscreen.
Defence solicitor William McMurray stated: “He is an 18-year-old joiner and he also works on the family farm. He purchased the vehicle and the MOT was up in January.
“He found it difficult to get a date, as the centres had closed due to the problems with the lifts.”
He continued: “The vehicle was inspected by the police and DVLA. Although they were impressed with the modifications it was found that there was a crack on the windscreen.
“This is an industrious young man, who practically works two jobs. He sold the car two weeks after he got it back, at a significant loss of money, and he has since bought something a little bit more mature.”
District Judge Eamonn King handed the defendant three penalty points and ordered that he pay a fine of £175, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
On the charge of not displaying R plates, Megaw was given an absolute discharge.
