Longford driver who didn't know he was disqualified from driving after accumulating 12 penalty points avoids ban

A Longford businessman was not aware he was disqualified from driving after accumulating 12 penalty points, until a Carrick-on-Shannon Garda informed him when he was stopped for speeding.

Martin Dunka, 18 Oakland Green, Longford was convicted and fined €500 for no insurance at Cornagillagh, Dromod on November 5, 2023. He was also convicted and fined €150 for no drivers licence.

Mr Dunka pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court heard Mr Dunka did have a previous conviction for no insurance but it was in 2018. He is a father of three and is self-employed, employing eight people.

Solicitor Mr Quinn explained to the court that his client did have an up to date insurance policy and drivers licence but due to an accumulation of penalty points, he has been disqualified.

Mr Dunka was not aware of this as he had changed addresses without notifying the state. Mr Quinn said his client is the breadwinner of his family and he asked the court for its discretion.

Garda Gerard McGovern told the court he stopped the driver at the above address for speeding.

It was only while checking the driver’s details into the system was he informed Mr Dunka was disqualified from driving since October.

Judge Patricia Cronin said she noted the “set of circumstances” that arose here and that the defendant was “unaware” of the citation. She advised him he must keep his correspondence up to date with the licensing authority. She also advised him to try and not incur any further penalty points.

Judge Cronin ruled as above and decided not to impose a driving disqualification on the defendant.