County Longford man 'hoodwinked' into paying €400 for false driving licence, court hears

Julio Da Silva 56 Thomond Hall, Ballymahon, was stopped by Gardaí at Thomond Hall  on March 5, 2021, at 12.45pm.

His driver’s licence or certificate of exemption was demanded of him and he brought Gardaí to his house and handed them a Spanish licence.

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On inspection, the licence aroused the suspicion of Gardaí and was seized. A forensic examination later confirmed it to be false and, when Mr Silva was questioned by Gardaí, he confirmed it was not genuine.

Mr Silva, who has no previous convictions, was charged with having no licence and producing a false licence.

His solicitor, Mr John Quinn, told the court that his client “didn’t hide anything” from Gardaí when he was questioned.

“He was introduced to a man who charged him €400. He thought it was genuine and he felt he was hoodwinked,” said Mr Quinn.

“Does he not know there are licensing authorities to go to?” asked Judge Bernadette Owens.

“He did and he’s going through his permit to get his licence now,” Mr Quinn replied, adding that his client is a hardworking man from Brazil who is currently working at Kepak, Ballymahon, and is father to one child.

Judge Owens fined Mr Silva €400 for producing a false licence and €120 for driving without a licence.