Uninsured Longford motorist who took a chance to drive to a friend's house avoids disqualification

A young uninsured motorist who took a chance to drive to a friend's house and was detected by Gardaí has avoided a disqualification.

Phillip Noonan (18) of Dublin Road, Edgeworthstown pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence on September 3, 2024 at Bracklin Road, Edgeworthstown.

Garda Denise Dockery stopped the vehicle which had no valid insurance disc displayed.

Also read: Longford man living in Los Angeles recounts 'harrowing' devastation of Palisades wildfires

Noonan, who was cooperative, admitted he had no cover.

Solicitor Tony McDonnell said Noonan bought the car to drive on the farm.

Also read: Longford County Council replaces vandalised life buoy one year after the damage was done

"He works for his father on the family farm and he took a chance to go to his friend's house without realising the significance of driving without insurance,” he added.

Also read: Alcohol 'does not suit him well': Longford defendant has no recollection of obstructing Gardaí and assaulting another man

Mr McDonnell said his client had disposed of the car and is insured on his father's car and on the family tractor.

The court heard Noonan has no steady income.

Also read: NCT testers horrified as they immediately fail car after taking one look at it

"He would ask the court that you would not disqualify him," Mr McDonnell added.

Judge Bernadette Owens convicted Noonan and fined him €300 with five months to pay.