Partner of Clare TD unable to attend court as he is homeless, solicitor says

The partner of Clare TD Violet-Anne Wynne is currently homeless and living in Co Longford, Kilrush District Court has heard.

Patrick Moylan, solicitor for John Mountaine, told Judge Mary Larkin of his client’s whereabouts when explaining why he was not in court to face charges over seven offences allegedly committed under the Road Traffic Act at Lack West, Kilmihil, on October 21st last.

“Mr Mountaine contacted me yesterday to say that he is in Longford and is homeless and doesn’t want to plead guilty,” Mr Moylan said.

He told Judge Mary Larkin that his client’s defence “is based on the same argument we had before”. When the case came before Judge Larkin in May, she asked: “If he was stopped on October 21st last why hasn’t he produced his documents?”

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Mr Mountaine (40), formerly of Pella Road, Kilrush, is accused of driving his 19 G registered vehicle without a licence and failing to produce a driving licence; driving without an insurance policy; failing to produce for a Garda a certificate of insurance or a certificate of exemption in respect of his use of the vehicle; holding a mobile phone while driving; driving on a learner permit while not accompanied by a qualified driver; and failing to display L plates on the car.

Judge Larkin adjourned the case to September 20th.

Ms Wynne, a mother of six, resigned from Sinn Féin in February alleging “psychological warfare” and that a recent pregnancy had been used as a “further stick to beat me with”. She said last month that she and her six children were homeless and unable to find a suitable home.