District Court Summons- What do I need to prepare?

breffnij

Hi,

I am up in Dun Laoghaire district court for a fine I received over a year ago. I was fined by a Garda for failing to move out of a yellow box. I live on Clonliffe Rd and despite being over an hour after the game had finished and the road being totally clear- it was still closed to the public. Normally we just show our pass but the Garda just said to me the road is closed for 5 minutes. As traffic was jammed I tried to wait there (hoping she'd ask for pass and let me in) but when she came over it was to tell me I am getting a fine for failing to move out of the yellow box. I tried saying I am being stopped by her but it didn't swing.

Anyway, I've a few questions. Firstly, why is my summons for Dun Laoghaire?! Isn't their a court closer I should of been summoned to or does it not matter where I live? Also in preparation for my time before the judge can I bring any evidence to support my case? I took photos immediately after incident to show the road was empty and also took a video a few weeks later of how Garda act with residents who have a car pass for during games e.g. coming and checking and then letting them in. Will the judge look at these or just want to hear my case? Who goes first in explaining the incident- the Garda or myself? Do I need to fill in any forms in advance of it?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice. Very nervous about it actually!