Driver in Longford arrested for a sixth time for having no insurance avoids jail
Longford District Court Judge Vincent Deane said he was 'very inclined' to send the defendant to jail, however, he decided to give him one last opportunity
A motorist has been convicted of driving for a sixth time without insurance and handed a five month suspended jail sentence as well as being warned by a judge that if he is caught behind the wheel he will be going behind bars.
Andrzej Gral of Raynestown, Dunshaughlin, county Meath pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and without a licence in North Longford on June 1 last.
Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, told Longford District Court that the defendant was stopped by gardaí at Lisryan, Granard.
The court heard Mr Gral immediately held his hands up and he informed the officers that he was a disqualified driver.
The defendant had 16 previous convictions, including five for driving without insurance and the court heard although he was not banned at the time of detection he had previously been disqualified from driving for six years.
Solicitor Michelle Reynolds said her client is a single man who lives in county Meath, but is originally from Poland and he has been living in Ireland for about 20 years and he has been working consistently during that time.
"My client did cooperate fully with the gardai on the date in question and he did make admissions. He accepts he should not have been driving with no insurance."
The court heard Gral been laid off in March but he was hopeful of returning to work with the same company in the near future and he apologises to the court and the gardai.
"He knows he is at serious risk today."
Ms Reynolds asked Judge Vincent Deane if he would be willing to consider community service in lieu of a custodial sentence.
Judge Deane said he was 'very inclined' to send the defendant to jail, however, he decided to give him one last opportunity.
He imposed a five month prison sentence, which he suspended for two years.
"You are not to drive during that time and what that means sergeant is if this man is caught driving, you can charge him with what you like, but you bring him right back here for the five months to be imposed."
Judge Deane imposed a six year driving ban and a €500 fine with six months to pay.