‘Unluckiest man in Ireland’ Uninsured Longford driver caught for eighth time
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Judge Vincent Deane to Longford defendant: ‘Is there a guard following you around behind a bush and he just pops out every time you get into a car. You are just pure unlucky’
A judge has described a Longford man caught for the eighth time driving without insurance as being the 'unluckiest man in Ireland'.
Jason Ryan (53) of Corry Park, Newtownforbes pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to driving without insurance and a driving licence.
Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the State, said that Garda Allan Doherty was on patrol at 3.20pm on May 17 last when he observed a motorist who he stopped and spoke to and the driver gave his name as Jason Ryan.
After carrying out a mobility device check he established that Mr Ryan was a disqualified driver and he was arrested and conveyed to Longford Garda Station. Mr Ryan had 23 previous convictions, including seven for no insurance.
Sgt Daly said the most recent was imposed in December 2023 for driving without insurance and a driving licence when he received a five months suspended prison sentence, he was disqualified for 10 years and fined €500.
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The defendant was also handed a five month suspended prison sentence in March 2022 for driving without insurance and banned for 12 years.
Mr Ryan addressed the court and he explained why he had got into the car and stated his son had left the house to go and play a football match when an unfortunate incident occurred.
"It was his car and he drove across the road from the house, the car gave a loud bang and he panicked and he thought the engine had blown.
"He came back into the house and he asked me to go and give him a hand so I ran across the road.
"I checked the car and it started so I drove it across the road to the house and as I did that Garda Doherty drove past me and he stopped me at the house but I wasn't going anywhere.
"It was in a bad spot where he had left it and I just took it out of harm's way and it was only 100-metres."
Mr Ryan said it was his son's first insurance policy and he helped him pay for the policy and his son brings him everywhere he needs to go. "I run my own business and he brings me to work and he collects me."
Sgt Daly asked why his son had not driven it across the road if it was left in a bad area and the defendant replied, "Because he panicked and he crossed over to the house."
Judge Vincent Deane asked what happened the other seven times with a touch of cynicism and sarcasm. "You're the unluckiest man in Ireland. Is there a guard following you around behind a bush and he just pops out every time you get into a car. You are just pure unlucky."
Judge Deane asked at what stage was the message going to get through to him that when he was told not to drive he was 'not to get behind the wheel of a car'.
"Once, twice, three times, you might be saying something but this is the eighth time."
Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said it was a reckless act and his client regretted his actions.
"He has never had the benefit of working with probation services or a Pro-Social driving course and if the court was minded to perhaps at least stay on the sort of damage that is coming down on Mr Ryan it would give him time.
Judge Deane said he found it hard to believe the defendant's version of events because he has had so many opportunities.
However, he agreed to put the matter back for a probation report and he issued a firm warning to Mr Ryan.
"Actions speak louder than words, words are cheap and what I'm getting here is very cheap.
"This man should be behind bars at this stage but I will put it back for a probation report but I expect him to be more forthright, I'm not buying what he's selling."
The case was subsequently adjourned until September 1 next.