Driver's stapler mistaken for phone explanation proved to be an unsuccessful defence

A motorist in Co Meath, Ireland, had an interesting excuse when he appeared in court last week.

The Meath Chronicle has reported the story of Navan resident Morgan Carr’s defence of a traffic fine for being on his mobile phone while driving.



Prosecuting garda Robert Conway told Trim court he saw Carr using his mobile phone while driving an oil tanker and moved to stop the driver.

When he stopped the tanker the garda found Carr holding a stapler to his ear and Carr told the garda he had mistaken the stationary item for a mobile phone. Presiding judge Gráinne Malone found Carr’s dealings with the garda to be “dishonest” and fined him €250.