Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 10800Using a mobile phone while driving · Co. Clare · 21 Apr 2025

Shannon woman's fine doubled on appeal for holding phone while driving

On 21 April 2025 Sarah Jane McInerney, a 29-year-old woman from Shannon, Co Clare, was in the R471 at Tullyvarraga when she was alleged to have held a mobile phone while driving. The District Court fined her €300 for the offence. On appeal at Ennis Circuit Court, the judge affirmed the District Court order, doubled the fine to €600 and ordered penalty points, as reported on 25 February 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced25 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The offence was using a mobile phone while driving, specifically holding a mobile phone while driving.
Where
The offence occurred on the R471 at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Co Clare.
When
The offence occurred on 21 April 2025.
Other details
Sarah Jane McInerney is a 29-year-old woman and a care assistant from Shannon, Co Clare.
Investigation
McInerney told the courts she did not receive over 50 fixed charge penalty notices sent to her by post for alleged driving offences.
Charges
The driver was fined €300 in the District Court for holding a mobile phone while driving.
In court
The appeal was heard at Ennis Circuit Court.
Sentence
The judge affirmed the District Court order, doubled the fine to €600 and said penalty points apply.
5 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe offence occurred on the R471 at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Co Clare. (clareecho.ie)
  • whenThe offence occurred on 21 April 2025. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeThe driver was fined €300 in the District Court for holding a mobile phone while driving. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtThe appeal was heard at Ennis Circuit Court. (clareecho.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge affirmed the District Court order, doubled the fine to €600 and said penalty points apply. (clareecho.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Feb2026
    Sentencedclareecho.ie, first report
    Shannon driver fined & issued penalty points after telling four courts she didn't receive over 50 FCPNs - Clare Echo

    Court report of a Circuit Court appeal. The fine was doubled to €600 and penalty points were ordered. The article covers the driver's earlier claims that she did not receive 52 FCPNs in the post.

    convicted, Sarah Jane McInerney, 29, female, named, irish (judged from name)Sarah Jane McInerney