Serving time for a planning fine

Lorlie

Hi Folks,

I am a user here under a different name, but have a sensitive subject, hence the new name.
I got a fine for using a railing to put a banner on a few years ago, it was to promote a business I was involved with.
Got a letter to take it down, and took it down.
Then got a letter to say come to court you are being fined.
went to court, met solicitor for county council, he was a horrid man, told me I could end up in all kinds of bother if the judge wanted to make an example of me. I explained I had taken said banner down in the timeframe, and he shoved a folder under my nose, with a photo of the banner on the railing. I never even thought to ask when the photo was taken, I was so out of my depth, having never been inside a court before, and I foolishly had no legal representation on the day, and was totally intimidated by this man.
He advised me that they would issue a letter of the judges ruling, as the court was taking forever and I had explained that I needed to collect my kids from school. I thought he was feeling sorry for me and doing me a favor...
Long story short, I was given a fine, of a really stupid amount of money. My accountant, said, don't pay it, that the business would be responsible for it and at the time my business was in really dire straights, and my main priority was paying suppliers and staff.
Zoom forward two years, got a summons to say, pay the fine or go to jail. Fine had jumped to ridiculous amount. And it is in my name, and not the business name... Spoke to gardai and they advised to go back to court.
I genuinely planned to, as I could not pay the fine, but I put it on the long finger. as time went by I heard nothing and I thought maybe it had gone away. Its almost 3 years ago. till this week. The fine is now, out of the ball park, and I can not pay it.
The business is long gone, and I am now unable to sleep with worry. I have young kids and just about get by.
The garda advised going to prison, and right now I don't have another option. I am out of my mind with worry over this, and can not confide in anyone at all about it.
He needs an answer, and I don't know what to do.
What are the long term effects on my personal character if I go to prison? It is for a planning violation.

234

You really need to get proper legal advice, fast. You should have done this at the outset and at a variety of points along the way. But better late than never.

Go see a solicitor.

Pat Mustard

OP, you need legal advice so you should go to see a solicitor.

Thread closed.