Driving documents produced following debate over surname
A MAN who didn't want to be recognised by his surname had the case against him struck out at last Wednesday's sitting of Carlow District Court.
Michael Leonard, Tuckamine, Tullow was charged with driving without insurance and a driving licence and failing to produce both documents at The Downings, Tullow on July 5, 2011.
Leonard who appeared in Carlow District Court with his own copy of the Bible said the summons were against 'Michael Leonard which I am not'.
The court heard Leonard had previously been before Kilkenny District Court where the same issue arose.
Judge David Anderson said he remembered that incident and said he was satisfied the man before him was Michael Leonard.
' You said you were satisfied', said Leonard ' but you didn't ask if I was satisfied'.
'I am not Michael Leonard. I'm here because the summons came in through my door with the name Michael Leonard on them', said Leonard.
He told Judge Anderson he went by the name Michael of Tuckamine of Tuckamine, Tullow.
However he acknowledged that in law ' there is an entity described as Michael Leonard on a birth certificate',
'I know you as Michael Leonard', said Judge Anderson.
' There are two different personas', said Leonard. 'Michael Leonard is a birth certificate. I am one of the people of Ireland. We have been deprived of our rights.'
'I am not prepared to present a platform for you', said Judge Anderson.
Leonard pleaded not guilty to the charges and Sgt. Joe Hanley said at 10.45 he was called to the scene of an incident at The Downings where he met Leonard who gave his name as Michael of Tuckamine. He asked Leonard for his insurance and driving licence. Sgt. Hanley said that following an appearance in Kilkenny District Court Leonard had undertaken to produce his documents at Tullow Garda Station. He said while Leonard did appear some days later he produced a bible and told the guard ' the bible was his licence to exist' and no documents were produced.
Leonard told Judge Anderson ' there is insurance and a driving licence issued to an entity known as Michael Leonard and it's valid', he said.
Judge Anderson said 'if you have insurance for that car in whatever name I strongly suggest you produce it.. because the assumption at the moment is that you don't have them.'
'I am Michael. I am an individual known as one of the people of Ireland. We have a dignity prescribed under the constitution. Our constitutional rights are ridden over in the District Court.'
'Mr. Leonard there is a limit to my patience and it's getting close', said Judge Anderson.
Leonard then produced a valid insurance policy and driving licence in his name which covered him to drive on the day in question and Judge Anderson struck out all the charges.
