An Irish man has caught the attention of parts of the internet after trying to fight a fine over a driving offence by claiming he was eating a chocolate bar.
For the most part, using your phone while driving is a big no-no. In the United Kingdom, it will land you with a hefty fine and points on your licence, while some states in America will also hand out big fines.
There are plenty of drivers who will pull out an excuse for being on their phone and try to wriggle their way out of some big trouble.
However, over in Gort, Ireland, a 30-year-old man has caught the attention for trying to use the “best excuse yet” by claiming it was actually a Mars Bar in his hand, not his phone.
Man gets off driving fine with “best excuse ever”
As the Connacht Tribune reported, the 30-year-old, Daniel Fahy, was stopped back in February 2024 by the gardaí for holding his phone while driving. Fahy was served a fixed penalty notice at the time, but didn’t pay up.
Whilst appearing in court over the offence, Fahy’s legal representative said that he had been eating a Mars Bar at the time. “He showed you the wrapped,” they told the court.
While the police confirmed they’d seen the wrapper, they still weren’t sold. “I don’t think my eyesight is that bad,” Garda John O’Brien said.
Judge Alec Gabbett added that this was “the best excuse I’ve had so far,” and gave the benefit of the doubt to Fahy’s claim. The charge was ultimately tossed.
As noted, the story has done the rounds on social media, with some viewers being impressed by the outcome of the claim. “Keeping candy wrappers in my car from now on,” one said.
The excellent Pixel 9A has dropped to just $349 for Amazon’s fall Prime Day