Judge prefers Garda’s evidence to taxi driver’s protestations over breaking red light

A TAXI driver was convicted of breaking a red traffic light in Limerick City and fined €150 at Limerick District Court.

Yan Diao (44), with an address at Caislean Na hAbhann, Castletroy, contested the charge before Judge Patricia Harney.

Mr Diao, who represented himself in court, was given three months to pay the fine.

He was observed by a senior member of the Roads Policing Unit, Henry Street Garda Station, following another car through a red traffic light on December 26, 2025.

Giving evidence in court, Diao maintained he followed a car passing through “amber” traffic lights.

“I didn’t think I broke the (red) light. I won’t plead guilty until I see video evidence,” Diao told Judge Harney.

Diao told the judge: “I’m a taxi driver, I (think) I’m an easy target.”

Judge Harney came back: “So you’re saying the prosecuting Garda is prejudiced?”

“I’m not saying that,” Diao replied, adding, “I might have misjudged it.”

Judge Harney told the accused: “Mr Diao, you’re a taxi driver; a red light is a red light.”

Inspector Padraigh Sutton, Roads Policing Unit, Henry Street, gave evidence that, as he was about to follow the driver of a vehicle which had broken a red traffic light, he observed Diao’s car following the first car breaking the same red light.

Inspector Sutton said he couldn’t follow both vehicles, so he followed Diao’s vehicle, which he claimed clearly broke the red traffic light last.

Judge Harney told Diao: “The Garda says it was a red light.”

Judge Harney concluded: “I prefer the Garda’s evidence. His evidence is quite clear, in my opinion.”

Prosecuting Sergeant Jimmy Dillane, Roxboro Road Garda Station, told the court Diao had no prior convictions.

After convicting and fining Diao, Judge Harney fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal.