Uninsured Longford motorist receives two year driving ban

An uninsured Longford motorist who was caught by Gardaí has been disqualified from driving for two years.

Thomas O'Reilly of Congress Terrace , Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to driving without insurance, a licence and NCT cert at 4.25pm on the Athlone Road, Townparks.

Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí stopped him and made a demand to for him to produce his insurance and driving licence at a garda station of his choice, however, he failed to do so.

Mr O'Reilly had 21 previous convictions.

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Solicitor Ms O'Callaghan said her client had some difficulties in the past and Mr O'Reilly had struggled with his health for a large part of his life.

Ms O'Callaghan said Mr O'Reilly was going through a period of 'instability' in 2018 and he bought a car, sold it and then purchased it again and the vehicle then had no insurance.

"He tells me that he used to drive to AA meetings in the company of an elderly gentleman who supported him."

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Ms O'Callaghan appealed to Judge Bernadette Owens for leniency.

Judge Owens considered the case and she imposed the driving ban and a €600 fine with three days of imprisonment in default.