Motorist stopped at Garda checkpoint in Longford had no insurance

A judge has pushed back sentencing a motorist who was caught driving without insurance for a second time and said he may get a 'marginally more palatable' result later in the year.

John Joe Reilly of Coolnahinch, county Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to the offence at Ardnacassa Avenue, Longford on February 11, 2023.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said Garda Walsh was carrying out a checkpoint at 10.45pm when she stopped the driver and they spoke to him.

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Mr Reilly had no insurance displayed and a lawful demand was made to him to produce his driving licence and his insurance certificate within 10 days, but he failed to do so.

The defendant had four previous convictions, including one for driving without insurance in 2023.

Solicitor Frank Gearty stated his client is a single father who cares for his children.

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"He does a lot of charity work, he is a tremendous character," he added.

Mr Gearty, who appealed to Judge Bernadette Owens for leniency, said his client went to collect his then-partner in the car which he had recently bought.

"He accepts he should not have done so but he did insure it the following day," he added.

Sgt Mahon said Mr Reilly had not come to any Garda attention since the incident.

Judge Owens noted his previous driving offence in late-2023 and she decided to adjourn the case back until December 9, 2025 for finalisation.

"It might be marginally more palatable then," she concluded.