A motorist was given a driving ban as well a fine after he was seen by a garda swerving on the roadway as he read his Sunday newspaper at the steering wheel.
Kieran Boyle (29), a father of one, St Cummins Hill, Killybegs, Co Donegal, was fined €1,000 and banned from driving for three months for dangerous driving at Five Points, Killybegs, last July.
Evidence was given that he drove past a garda travelling in the opposite direction,
Donegal District Court heard yesterday how Garda John McGroary turned his own vehicle and followed Boyle for a half-mile, Judge Desmond A. Zaidan was told.
Insp Paul Kilcoyne said Boyle's car was seen to swerve sharply to his left and also to cross over the centre line. He met two oncoming cars while reading the paper.
When eventually stopped, Boyle asked the arresting garda: "where did I meet you?"
Judge Zaidan asked which paper Boyle was reading. Defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher said he didn't ask his client that.
Mr Gallagher said Boyle agreed that what he did was stupid and careless. The solicitor said Boyle had just bought the Sunday paper after Mass when he was spotted reading it by the garda.
Mr Gallagher added that there was no evidence of speeding and there had not been an accident.
The judge said there was "a serious element" of dangerous driving and he had to mark the seriousness of the offence. He added: "It was totally foolish. I have to consider other road-users. He was caught red-handed."