'Took a chance': Disqualified Longford driver detected after being caught speeding

A Longford motorist, who was caught by Gardaí driving while disqualified, is facing over 200 hours of community service if he is deemed to be suitable by the probation services.

Niall McCormack of Toorevaghm Ballymahon, county Longford pleaded guilty to the offence on July 20, 2024 at Stonepark in Longford town.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí were on duty in the area and at 5.40pm the defendant was stopped by driving at 80kph in a 50kph zone.

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Garda Aidan Lenehan spoke to Mr McCormack who admitted he was disqualified and he was arrested.

Mr McCormack had 11 previous convictions, including one handed down by the court in December 2022 for driving without insurance, which resulted in a six year driving ban.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said her client had lost his business and he subsequently "lost his way" in life.

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She stated Mr McCormack is now working in Dublin and he receives lifts from a colleague.

Ms Mimnagh said he "took a chance" on the date in question, he immediately told Gardaí he was disqualified and he accepted he should not have done it.

"He is asking that he maintains his freedom, he knows he is at risk [of prison]," she added.

Judge Bernadette Owens requested a community service report.

She indicated, if Mr McCormack is deemed suitable, she would impose 240 hours of community service in lieu of nine months in prison before adjourning the case until April 15.