Eight year driving ban for Longford man who drove while disqualified

A Longford motorist, who was caught by Gardaí driving while disqualified, has received an eight year driving ban and been directed to complete 140 hours of community service.

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

At a previous hearing in February, 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.

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Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said her client took a chance on the date in question.

Last week, Judge Bernadette Owens noted a probation report, which had been compiled on Mr McCormack had deemed he was suitable for community service.

She sentenced him to 140 hours of community service in lieu of a term of five months imprisonment along with the lengthy driving ban.