A MOTORIST WHO was stopped when trying to avoid a Garda checkpoint argued that she was “entitled to free movement in the State” despite not paying motor tax for more than 1,000 days.

Sergeant Trish O’Sullivan told Macroom District Court that gardaí had set up a checkpoint at Inchinashingane, Macroom, Co. Cork on 31 October 2024. A grey Audi car was spotted approaching the checkpoint but turned around and began heading in the opposite direction.

The car was stopped by gardaí a short distance down the road. The driver was identified as Eilis Murphy, 45, of Baulbrack, Kilmichael, Co. Cork.

The vehicle had no valid tax disk displayed and had not been taxed for more than 1,000 days.

When gardaí asked Murphy for her driving licence, she refused to produce it and became “very uncooperative”, the court heard.

Murphy told gardaí that she did not “enter into a contact with anyone” and added she was “entitled to free movement in the State.” She also refused to confirm her details. Murphy was arrested but did later provide details of a valid license and insurance.

Defence solicitor Seán Cahill said that his client “acted stupidly” on the day and also had the indignity of being arrested in front of her 16-year-old son who was a passenger in the car.

Murphy said that she was “really stressed on that day” and apologised for her behaviour. The court heard that she had one previous conviction for non display of motor tax.

Judge John King said that Murphy displayed “a certain underlying attitude” and convicted and fined her €250 for refusing to provide her license and €250 for refusing to provide her details. She was allowed six months to pay the fines.