Longford man caught driving without insurance for fourth time

A driver who was caught driving without insurance for a fourth time will be assessed by the Probation Services to check if he is suitable for community service.
Joe Mears (32) of 7 Richmond St, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to a string of motoring offences.

Sergeant Enda Daly, court presenter said Sgt Rob Charman stopped the motorist on November 21, 2022 at Oakvale, Longford and made a lawful demand for his driving license and insurance.
Mears gave an undertaking to produce the documents to Longford Garda Station, however, he failed to do so.

Sergeant Daly stated on February 28, 2023, Garda Yuriy Pivovarov was on the Ballinalee Rd when he pulled over the defendant driving an Audi A4 car at 11.45pm.
The officer made the lawful demand for the defendant to produce his documents, but he failed to do so.

The court heard on July 17, 2023 Garda John Hanley observed Mears driving a vehicle in the Chapel Lane area and the same demand for his policy and licence was made.
Mears claimed to have a UK licence, however, this was not valid.
Garda Hanley also observed Mears turning off the Ballinalee Rd on September 30, 2023 and he stopped him and demanded his documents, but they were not produced.

Mears had six previous convictions and he had been detected driving without insurance four times.
Solicitor John Quinn, defending, said his client was caring for a terminally ill relative during the period and he 'became disoriented' and failed to keep up with the paperwork.

"It was not just plain recklessness," he added.
Judge Bernadette Owens considered the circumstance and indicated if he is deemed suitable she will impose 240 hours of community service in lieu of four months imprisonment.

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