Garda catches woman driving with 13 year old son 'hanging out' car window

A woman who drove her car while her son was sitting on the window frame of the vehicle came before Judge Andrew Cody at this week's district court.

In his evidence Garda Dhiarmaid Loughnane, said on July 9, 2023, he observed Charlene Grogan (35) of 13, Grove Street, Birr driving at Barrack Street, Birr. He said he saw a young boy sitting on the window frame of the vehicle with half of his body out of the car window.

Judge Andrew Cody asked Ms Grogan about her son ''hanging out of the car window.''

She said when she tells her son to do something he does the opposite. Judge Cody told her she should have stopped the car. She said she did and told him, but he did it again. He is 13, she added.

Ms Grogan had one previous conviction for driving unaccompanied while a learner driver.

Judge Andrew Cody said she is lucky not to be disqualified. Ms Grogan said she was not working. ''I have three kids,'' she said.

Judge Cody fined her €500 and gave her six months to pay. He warned her that if it happens again she will be disqualified from driving