TV presenter must appear on speeding charges

Television presenter Maura Derrane has been ordered by a local district court to attend Naas District Court on March 10 next to face a charge of speeding.

Ms Derrane, with an address listed as 1 Coady’s Quay, The Lookout, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, was spotted by Sgt Michael Keevans on July 6 last at Osberstown exceeding the speed limit in a black Toyota Prius at Osberstown, Naas.

Her case had been called some weeks ago and she had, according to Conal Boyce who represented her last Thursday, February 17, turned up and sat through the day. The case was not reached that day and last Thursday, Mr Boyce was acting on instructions from a Waterford-based firm of solicitors acting on her behalf.

He said he had instructions to enter a guilty a plea to the matter, and that there was no disrespect intended by her non-appearance.

The Judge asked what he knew about Ms Derrane and Mr Boyce said she was a lady married to a public servant (the TD, John Deasy).

“Is she not on television?” Judge Zaidan asked.

Mr Boyce said he didn’t know her at all and repeated that he was only acting on behalf of another solicitor.

“Yes Judge, she is a television presenter,” Sgt Keevans said.

“Well not on any of the Swedish channels I watch,” Mr Boyce joked.

The Judge said the defendant would have to turn up to face the case and he adjourned the case until March 10.