Man caught with bogus driving licence in Longford won't get penny of €2,600 insurance policy back

Brazilian born Maxwander Ferreira Rocha (30), Apartment 4, Inny Court, Main Street, Ballymahon, Co Longford appeared at a recent District Court sitting charged with using a false Portuguese drivers licence at Creevagh Rua, Creevagh Beg, Ballymahon, Co Longford.

He was also charged with having no driving licence and of being found driving without insurance.

Judge John Brennan was told the incident took place on September 9, 2022 at 5:30pm.

Sgt Mark Mahon said gardaí made a lawful demand for Mr Ferreira Rocha's driving licence and insurance.
During his exchange at the roadside, Mr Ferreira Rocha handed over what the court was told was a bogus Portuguese driver's licence.

That conclusion was arrived at after gardaí became suspicious at how a number of security features on the licence were allegedly missing.

Sgt Mahon said Mr Ferreira Rocha was “very cooperative” and met the investigating officer at all times by appointment.
Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said her client was a married man with two children and was someone who had been unwittingly caught out by the incident.

“He said it was bought on the internet and did not know it was false,” she said.

Ms Mimnagh added Mr Ferreira Rocha was resident in Ireland for the past four to five years and worked in a factory in Ballymahon.

She said he had a number of significant financial commitments, most notably €225 a week that he pays in rent.

The local solicitor explained how Mr Ferreira Rocha had handed over €2,600 for an insurance policy, money which she said he would not get back as a result.

In summation, Judge Brennan said while he had a certain level of empathy in terms of Mr Ferreira Rocha's absent-mindedness over the authenticity of his driver's documentation, a conviction had to be recorded.

“It is a serious matter,” he said.

“It is one of the reasons why young people find it very difficult to get insurance and are paying exorbitant rates,” he said.

“I am satisfied he didn't know it was a false driver's licence and he was very cooperative too.”

Judge Brennan said there was also a certain level of “inadvertence” connected to Mr Ferreira Rocha's actions.

He said while he wouldn't impose a driving disqualification on Mr Ferreira Rocha, a fine of €200 was appropriate, he added, under the circumstances.

In issuing that order, he said he would give Mr Ferreira Rocha six months to pay in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

As the case concluded, there was a brief light hearted moment when Ms Mimnagh referenced how her client's name was somewhat similar to the famous Ferrero Rocher chocolate brand.

In making a submission for legal aid on her client's behalf, Ms Mimnagh joked: “Would you consider the chocolates as well as legal aid?”