Woman insisted she paid fine on time despite Garda office returning money

A female motorist who paid a fine on time claimed in Naas District Court that it was returned as being too late.

The defendant was clocked driving at 73km per hour in a 60km per hour zone and given a €80 fine.

The penalty had to be paid within 28 days which was on or before the 16th day of the following month.

She said she duly posted the form on the 15th day so it would be received on the 16th and be within time.

However the Garda Fines Office in Thurles returned the documentation the following day claiming that payment was too late.

But Judge Desmond Zaidan ruled that the defendant had paid the fine on the final day - and he struck out the charge.